Ho is looking to bounce back

Vincent Ho has endured a difficult past 12 months, but the affable homegrown jockey is eager to rebound this season.

Two falls interrupted Ho’s 2023/24 campaign in Hong Kong – a mishap in Japan which fractured his spine and then a second at Sha Tin. Ho finished with a creditable 41 wins, well below the 96 he rode in 2022/23, which netted staggering earnings of HK$160.2 million. It was also the first time since 2017/18 that Ho has dipped below the 50-win mark in a season.

Ho only had 355 starts last term. Since 2012/13, he has never had less than 400 mounts, although victories in the 2023 Longines International Jockeys’ Championship and 2023 G1 Hong Kong Mile (1600m) would have sweetened a challenging stretch.

“I’m definitely targeting more improvement than last season, which wasn’t an easy season, but that’s the risk we take as jockeys. I’m always looking to do the best I can,” Ho said.

Ho relished another experience-building offseason in Europe and Japan, honing his craft at a range of overseas arenas such as Goodwood, Pontefract, Dusseldorf and Sapporo.

“There’s always more to be learnt when it comes to riding horses. Riding overseas is very different to here, even the routine and racing environment. I had a good experience, lots of driving which was pretty tiring, but it was great,” Ho said.

Ho receives strong support from two powerful stables in Hong Kong, Francis Lui and Caspar Fownes, although the 34-year-old feels a title push is a few seasons away.

“Hopefully one day. It’s not easy and you need almost every stable over the season supporting you, which is very difficult,” Ho said.

Ho also won two Group 3 races aboard Galaxy Patch last season. The Pierre Ng-trained galloper placed at Group 1 level over 1400m and was second in the BMW Hong Kong Derby (2000m) across an impressive debut campaign.

“He’s very exciting, an improving horse and he’s still young. He’s one of the top horses here, so it doesn’t matter if it’s over a mile, 1800m or 2000m – he can still perform,” he said.

Ho takes five mounts as racing resumes at Happy Valley on Wednesday, including Aurora Lady for Ng in the second section of the Class 4 Shek O Handicap (1200m).

“He’s a nice ride. He showed potential last season,” he said.

Aurora Lady faces unbeaten four-year-old Packing Power, who lines up with an in-form Zac Purton for trainer Danny Shum.

“He (Packing Power) looks as if he’s come on a little bit in the offseason, his trial at Conghua was nice, but he’s going to have to get the start right to give himself a chance,” Purton said.

Ho also rides Super Sixty in the Class 4 Kiu Tsui Handicap (1000m) at the city circuit for Fownes, as well as Sixth Generation, Matsu Victor and Golden Empire.

“He (Super Sixty) still needs to mature more and hopefully the break has helped him. He’s got ability,” Ho said.

Mark Newnham has two wins from his first four runners this season. The trainer attributes corrective surgery to Scotch Tycoon’s recent flurry of top-three efforts. The bay contests the first section of the Class 4 Shek O Handicap (1200m) on Wednesday from gate No 1.

“Since he had the epiglottic entrapment surgery he has come right back to form. He ran behind a couple of really promising horses (last season), so he’s prepared well for this season, he’s trialled a couple of times and he’s come up with gate No 1,” Newnham said.

Derek Leung chases a first win this term after two seconds last Sunday, linking with Romantic Laos in the Class 3 Hoi Mei Handicap (1650m) for trainer Cody Mo.

“The horse is very honest and he keeps fighting. He only had a small break during the offseason, so he won’t lose his form too much,” Leung said.

Straight Arron trialled at Sha Tin for Ricky Yiu on Tuesday morning. “That was a pretty good trial. He jumped well and kept improving. He was outside and avoiding the kickback but he was closing in the finish – good signs,” Yiu said.

Yiu saddles four horses at the Valley today, including Sweet Diamond in the Kiu Tsui Handicap.

“He’s drawn well (barrier No 1) and is slowly improving. He’s a seven-year-old now and with a good draw, I think he’ll be competitive, especially at Happy Valley,” Yiu said. – HKJC

Race-by-Race Previews

Race 1: Super Eagle has gone close to winning in Class 4, so must be rated a big winning chance dropping to Class 5 for the first time, especially with Purton aboard. High Rise Power looked unlucky when being held up at a crucial stage last start. Joyful Life showed good improvement last start and could give them something to chase if allowed a soft lead. Cheer For South showed good speed to lead last start and is capable of bouncing back anytime in the cellar grade. Viva A La a fast beginner who can run well if he finds an easy lead.

Race 2: Joy Coming last run was much better than it looks as he raced wide throughout, he should go close to winning with even luck in running. Sight Happy has shown ability and gets his chance to win here with Bowman on board from a low draw. Cosmo Navigator well placed at the weights and can be in the finish, consider if his odds offer value. Scotch Tycoon consistent performer of late and is close to his last winning mark. Lightning Bolt down in class here and could surprise with Alfred Chan’s 5-pound claim.

Race 3: Packing Power impressive debut winner who looks on track for a double as he remains in Class 4. Aurora Lady finished a meritorious third in a fast run race last time out, his recent barrier trial was good, suggesting a solid performance can be expected. Flying Wrote possesses versatility in running and can upset some more fancied rivals on best form. Ragnarr did not disgrace at his last run and must be rated a chance from an inside draw. Happy Trio showed improvement in a recent trial and could be placed at value.

Race 4: Ninja Derby raced on pace to score an easy win last start, he could be hard to run down remaining in Class 5. Precision Goal should be highly suited by the rise in distance and should play a key role with Purton remaining in the saddle. Kyrus Unicorn flashed home late to finish second in Class 4 last time out, he could have an edge dropping to Class 5. Right Honourable will appreciate the extra distance and can surprise at odds. Invincible Missile dropped in the ratings and appears well suited at this level, while an inside draw will definitely help.

Race 5: Fortune Warrior is suited by retuning to Happy Valley and a bold run is expected with the in-form Purton taking the reins, despite drawn wide. Ma Comet looks overdue for a win and enters this race in good form, include among the better. Sweet Diamond over- look his last start effort as there were genuine excuses (blood in trachea), he should map well from a low draw and produce a much improved effort. Sergeant Pepper a fast beginner who can run well if he finds an easy lead. Happy Horse the lightweight will help and he may sneak into the Top 3.

Race 6: Red Majesty a proven performer at this level and he caught the eye with a fast-finishing fourth last start. From pole position, he will be flexible with multiple tactics with Purton aboard. Dragon Star a fast beginner who can run well if he finds an easy lead. Atomic Beauty last run was much better than it looks and watch for betting support. Matsu Victor turned in a nice effort last run when finishing strongly, he should make his presence felt despite a wide draw. Viva Hunter resuming from a break and won a recent trial, he may place at odds with the apprentice claim.

Race 7: Romantic Laos let down well to finish second in a slowly run race last start and looks on track to go one place better. Samarkand ran the second fastest sectional time last start and he looks capable of securing a spot in the Top 3 with Teetan taking the reins. Helene Warrior had betting support last start and where there is smoke there is fire, he should be highly competitive based on his easy win in this class two starts back. Comet Splendido rising in class and meets better quality horses but can measure up.

Race 8: Ka Ying Cheer a consistent front-runner who stuck on well for a solid fourth off a frantic tempo last start. With Purton jumping in the saddle, his consistency will be rewarded. Righteous Arion caught the eye last start running home powerfully, rates in the chances. Reward Smile a two-time winner in this class, and must be considered with Bowman on board, despite drawn wide. Super Joy N Fun last start placing was full of merit and the switch back to Happy Valley is positive. Sugar Sugar should be highly suited by the rise in distance, coupled with the apprentice claim.