Dylan Mo says he is composed as he prepares to compete in his first Group 1 race aboard Winning Wing in Sunday’s (1 March) HK$13 million G1 Citi Hong Kong Gold Cup (2000m) at Sha Tin.

Mo’s composure stems from the close partnership he’s built with Winning Wing, who was procured to race in Hong Kong by his close friend, former jockey-turned-bloodstock agent Kei Chiong. Three of Mo’s four wins this term have come aboard the Francis Lui-trained five-year-old with whom he’s developed a strong bond.

Winning Wing has enjoyed a progressive season that has resulted in a 20-point boost in his rating. Much of the gelding’s improvement can fairly be attributed to Mo, who has not only been in the saddle for each of Winning Wing’s 15 career runs, but also rarely misses a trackwork session with the New Zealand-bred bay.

While the 32-year-old Mo is excited to rub shoulders with Hong Kong’s elite riders at Group 1 level for the first time, he said he doesn’t feel nervous because he’s confident about Winning Wing’s ability.

“I’m very happy I can ride in the Group 1 with Winning Wing,” Mo said. “I’m not too excited that it’s a Group 1; I just very much enjoy that I can ride this horse in a Group 1.

“I’m very comfortable riding him in the race because I’ve been riding Winning Wing from his first start until now, so I know this horse. I think he is a very good horse,” he added.

Mo, who will celebrate a decade in the city’s jockey ranks next season, acknowledged his position in the pecking order of riders in a jurisdiction as competitive as Hong Kong, and that he is fortunate to have maintained his association with the improving galloper.

“My first feeling is that just to ride in a Group 1, I’m very lucky, and I’m lucky that the owner and the trainer have given me support like this. I should just try my best for them.”

Winning Wing also finds himself in the rarefied air of Group 1 level for the first time. He was far from disgraced in his most high-profile race to date, the G3 January Cup Handicap (1800m), when he finished fifth, two lengths behind winner Speed Dragon.

However, the quality in Sunday’s six-runner field takes the son of Preferment to another level; he meets Voyage Bubble, My Wish, Ensued, Beauty Joy and the mighty Romantic Warrior at set weights. Yet Mo remains unfazed even at the mention of those luminaries.

“Of course, Romantic Warrior is a good horse, but my horse has improved a lot this season. So I’ll try my best and give it 100 per cent,” he said. “In this moment, at 2000 metres, the horse has had quite good results.

“I don’t feel nervous. Whatever happens, I’ll know I’ve done my best. It’s just like riding in a normal race. If you win, you will win! No pressure. I’m just relaxed.”

Sunday’s (1 March) 11-race fixture at Sha Tin starts at 12.30pm with the Class 4 Citi Wealth Handicap (1800m). The HK$13 million G1 Citi Hong Kong Gold Cup (2000m) jumps at 3.35pm, while the meeting also features the HK$13 million Hong Kong Classic Cup (1800m), which will be run at 4.45pm.