Legendary horseman Tony Cruz yesterday (Tuesday, 27 August) was awarded the Medal of Merit of the Portuguese Communities (of the Portuguese Republic) at the Consulate General of Portugal in Macau and Hong Kong by the Secretary of State for Portuguese Communities, Mr José Cesário.

The honour is in recognition to Cruz’s achievements in the profession of horse racing for over half a century, not only in Hong Kong but around the world, doing so with great success as a prominent member of the overseas Portuguese community in Hong Kong.

“I want to express my deepest appreciation to the Portuguese Government for presenting me with the Medal of Merit of the Portuguese Communities (of the Portuguese Republic). I am honoured and humbled to receive the award from the Secretary of State for Portuguese Communities Mr José Cesário,” Cruz said.

“I would also like to thank The Hong Kong Jockey Club, my family and fellow colleagues. I grew up in Hong Kong at the Apprentice Jockeys’ School, which is one of the best places to ride and train horses in the world, and without their continued support and my families, I would never have been able to achieve what I have.”

Mr Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges, Chief Executive Officer at The Hong Kong Jockey Club, said: “Tony Cruz is the perfect candidate to receive such a prestigious honour. He is an incredible role model to the sport of horse racing as not only a jockey and trainer, but also as a terrific ambassador whom many admire. He has passed on many teachings to young jockeys and up-and-coming trainers, and for that we are forever thankful.”

Tony Cruz, 67, is an iconic figure in Hong Kong horse racing. He was among the first intake to the Apprentice Jockeys’ School and began his riding career in 1973/74. In all, Cruz rode 946 winners and was crowned Hong Kong Champion Jockey six times. He also made his name at Group 1 level in Europe and notably partnered great race mare Triptych to a string of top-line successes. Cruz was granted a Hong Kong trainer’s licence in 1996 and first landed the trainers’ title in 1999/00, before winning it again in 2004/05 He is best known for the heroics of turf champions Silent Witness, California Memory, Exultant, Bullish Luck and more. He is one of only three trainers to reach 1,500 wins in Hong Kong.