Umberto Rispoli was a familiar face in Hong Kong for several years. With his infectious smile and engaging personality, he enjoyed success at the very highest level. But returning to Happy Valley, a venue where he spent a significant chapter of his career, Rispoli isn’t on a sentimental journey; he’s here to compete.

The Italian ace, who successfully transitioned his career to the United States of America after a full-time stint in Hong Kong, is determined to make a strong showing for that country in the prestigious LONGINES International Jockeys’ Championship (IJC).

“I’m extremely proud to represent the United States because America has given (my family and me) a lot,” Rispoli said. “(It gave me) the chance to introduce myself to American horse racing and to ride some very good horses and win a lot of good races. You can’t take away my Italian blood, but hopefully I’ll represent the United States in the very best way.

“I’m very excited to come back to Happy Valley, it’s a place I’ve spent a lot of time at in my career,” he added. “I don’t think it’s a problem going back to Happy Valley, it’s a place I know pretty well.”

The LONGINES IJC brings together elite riding talent from around the world, offering a challenge that Rispoli relishes, with his focus firmly on the winner’s podium.

“I always say, if you want to be the best, you have to beat the best and the IJC is the opportunity to compete with the best in the world. All of us want to win, we’re not coming just to have fun. We want to win the IJC, too, and that’s the mentality I have right now.”

Beyond the competitive element, the IJC also offers the chance to reconnect with former colleagues, supporters and fans.

“I’m looking forward to seeing some old friends from the jockeys’ room and owners and trainers too that supported me when I was in Hong Kong. I can’t wait to spend some time there with my family, as my son was only two-and-a-half years old when we left, so he’s excited to come back as well, and we’ll definitely enjoy the moment.” 

After a history-making season in the United States of America, where he became the first Italian-born rider to win a leg of the American Triple Crown aboard Journalism in the G1 Preakness Stakes (1900m, dirt), also finishing runner-up in the G1 Kentucky Derby (2000m, dirt) and the G1 Belmont Stakes (2000m at Saratoga, dirt) on the same horse, Rispoli is quick to pay tribute to the son of Curlin and other notable champions he’s been associated with.

“It was an amazing year and journey I had with Journalism. He’s one of the best, probably the best horse that I’ve ridden, but I can’t forget Rulership for what he gave me and what he means for me between Japan and Hong Kong (winning the 2012 G1 QEII Cup, 2000m). So I’m very attached to those horses, and being a part of IJC is because of those big names, including Johannes this year too. I’m grateful to them because without them, you can’t win anything.

“I do this job because you want to ride the best horses in the world, but definitely winning the IJC trophy (against the best riders), I would put close to or next to all the achievements I have in my career so far.”

In addition to James McDonald (New Zealand) and last year’s winner Mickael Barzalona (France), Rispoli will compete against Ryan Moore (Great Britain, subject to fitness), William Buick (Great Britain), Hollie Doyle (Great Britain), Joao Moreira (Brazil), Christophe Lemaire (Japan), Rachel King (Australia), and three of Hong Kong, China’s top jockeys, headed by Zac Purton.