Record-breaking jockey Douglas Whyte calls time on glittering career

Douglas Whyte called time on an unprecedented career in Hong Kong after his final rides at Sha Tin on Sunday.

Known as the Durban Demon, Whyte was champion jockey for 13 consecutive seasons between 2001 and 2013, recording 1,813 winners in Hong Kong – 894 more than current champion Zac Purton.

The South African will begin training in September, but there was no fairytale ending to his time in the saddle as he drew a blank on his final day, finishing second twice.

"I’m a sportsman," said Whyte. "You’d love to ride a winner on your last day but the main thing is the fantastic ending and the good reception from the crowd. I thought every horse ran well today."

Douglas Whyte: has retired from the saddleCredit: Vince Caligiuri

The jockey was presented with a silver dish and commissioned painting by the Hong Kong Jockey Club in the parade ring before being ambushed by his weighing room colleagues, who were armed with bottles of champagne.

"That was emotional," said Whyte. "I had my family here so it's one of those days where enjoyment takes over disappointment. I'm happy and looking forward to the next chapter – I'm a bit emotional now it's all over."

Whyte ended his time in the saddle with earnings of HK$1,587,210,086 (£156.3m/€178.6m), and his impact on the sport in Hong Kong was not lost on fellow jockey Umberto Rispoli.

"Before I came here, everybody, whenever you talked about Hong Kong racing, would always bring up Douglas Whyte – he's a legend here," he said.

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