'It’ll be a shame, but it’s an opportunity you’ve got to try' - Richard Kingscote set to leave Group 1 winner Time For Sandals in favour of Hong Kong

Richard Kingscote has admitted the decision to walk away from Group 1 winner Time For Sandals was tough, but that the pull of a part-season licence in Hong Kong was stronger.

The rider partnered the Harry Eustace-trained filly to a 25-1 success in last week's Commonwealth Cup and hopes to ride her again before he departs for the Far East, with a return to that part of the world described as a "great opportunity" by the Derby-winning rider.

Kingscote, 38, who was dealt a blow when his primary employer Sir Michael Stoute announced his retirement in Britain last season, gathered key Hong Kong experience this year when riding four winners across ten meetings.

This time he has been licenced from July 17 until February 2026, with the 2024-25 season coming to a close on July 16 and the 2025-26 season beginning on September 7.

"Of course, walking away from Time For Sandals was tough," he said. "Hopefully they’ll get a run into her before I leave. I know Harry’s not shy of travelling horses, so maybe they can get her to Hong Kong – that would be nice for me.

"I can’t really stay for one horse. It’ll be a shame, but it’s an opportunity you’ve got to try."

Kingscote, who won the 2022 Derby on Desert Crown, added: "It’s nice here when things are going well, but I’ve been here a long time and people who support me have all said it’s a great opportunity and I should give it a try.

"If it doesn’t work, I’ve not burned any bridges, so I’ll give it a go and see what happens. I can always come back and be doing what I’m doing now anyway."

Richard Kingscote is hoping he can team up with Harry Eustace (pictured) in his new roleCredit: Edward Whitaker (racingpost.com/photos)

Kingscote is planning to leave Britain in late August in preparation for his new role for the Hong Kong Jockey Club, with his family set to follow shortly after.

Three of the jockey's Hong Kong victories came in a Happy Valley hat-trick on March 26 and he is hoping to build on that form alongside former British-based riders Andrea Atzeni and Harry Bentley.

He said: "Andrea is world-class and it helps people like me that he and Harry have done so well. I finished on a positive note when I was there for a short stint, and I think momentum is important. They say a change is as good as a break and I felt pretty hungry when I was there.

"I know almost all jockeys have to work a huge amount on their weight over there. In the UK I don’t have to worry about it, but over there I'll have to.

"If you want to be competitive and get rides, it’s something I need to concentrate on. I’m pretty laid-back, but in Hong Kong you need to be proactive and I’m looking forward to it."

Kingscote describes himself as a "fair-weather rider" having worked in France, Turkey, the Middle East and Japan, but admits his Epsom exploits don't give him a pass to the big time.

"It always takes time to get going because people don’t know you," he said. "Although I’ve won a Derby, once you’re out of Europe that’s not important, unfortunately. 

"I’m not worried about the change in climate – I'm a fair-weather rider anyway and I’m much better with heat than I am the cold."

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