The LONGINES International Jockeys’ Championship (IJC) has meant a lot to leading homegrown jockey Vincent Ho, who has just joined one of horse racing’s most elite clubs with his 600th Hong Kong winner last Wednesday (27 November). Victor of the last year’s edition of LONGINES IJC, Ho not only hailed it as one of his career highlights but also the event provided him a learning opportunity to compete with other world-class riders, so he can keep improving to become a better jockey.

Ho will bid for consecutive success in the LONGINES IJC at Happy Valley next Wednesday (4 December) and this year he will faces a group of global elites, namely Zac Purton, James McDonald, Ryan Moore, Hugh Bowman, Karis Teetan, Hollie Doyle, Rachel King, Yuga Kawada, William Buick and Colin Keane in a four-race series.

Ho said: “Since I started my riding career, I always wanted to be one of the IJC participating jockeys and now I treasure every opportunity to be part of it and enjoying it. All the participating jockeys are experienced world-class riders, on and off the track we have plenty of chances to share. This is really a golden chance to improve yourself.”

Ho recalled that he thought his allocated rides last year were all quite good, he admitted that he wasn’t too confident to be the ultimate champion. “After all they were all top-class jockeys and I could only do the best I can. Don’t forget in jockeys’ challenge like this there were a lot of factors determining success. It was quite a pleasant surprise to me to take the ultimate honours last year,” Ho said.

“It is true that we enjoyed a bit of home advantage and we are in a better position to respond timely on any sudden changes in track condition. However, other rivals also have no lack of experiences riding in different tracks of the world and therefore they won’t have problems in dealing with the Happy Valley track.

“All along, I am eager to participate jockeys’ challenge all over the world, as I had the experience in participating the Shergar Cup in Britain and the World All-Star Jockeys series in Japan. These events helped me to have more riding experiences in different racetracks which will be beneficial to my career.

“Looking ahead to this year’s IJC, I will try my best in every race and I don’t feel any pressure at all. The rivals are all world-class and they can provide a good lesson for me. But, of course, it will be great if I can win again.”

Meanwhile, Ho is hopeful with Galaxy Patch, who will contest the HK$36 million G1 LONGINES Hong Kong Mile (1600m) on Sunday, 8 December.

Ho said: “Galaxy Patch pulled up well after the BOCHK Private Wealth Jockey Club Mile (1600m) last time and it was a good performance for him to finish a gallant third on the track condition that didn’t favour horses coming from behind. The horse kept on improving and he is the type of horse with big stride and has good stamina. I believe he will further improve in this year’s LONGINES Hong Kong Mile.”