Local legend Doug Whyte to have his last ride at Sha Tin on Sunday

The most successful jockey in the history of Hong Kong racing will enter the weighing room for the final time on Sunday when Doug Whyte brings his riding career to a close at Sha Tin.

The 13-time champion in Hong Kong will embark on a new venture after recently being granted a trainer's licence for the 2019-2020 season.

Whyte, 47, has ridden more than 1,800 winners and hopes to return to the winner’s enclosure on his final raceday in which he has seven rides.

He said: “The reaction to my retirement from the saddle has been overwhelming to say the least. I've had so many phone calls and congratulations, and from people you thought wouldn’t have approached and congratulated me, so it’s been fantastic.

“It will be hard on Sunday. I’ve had that gear for a long time and it’s all I’ve known. I just hope I get a good send-off. A lot of my horses are going to be under the odds and I know there’s going to be expectations from the public.

“It’s very important for me to have a winner, that’s my nature. I like to be a winner but it’s not the be-all and end-all because the be-all is my new career – it’s about me being around and the public watching me for the last time.”

The South African jockey has ridden Hong Kong stars Akeed Mofeed, Ambitious Dragon, Oriental Express and Glorious Days in an outstanding career and will receive an official presentation in the parade ring after race four.

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