Hong Kong jockey Vincent Ho on the mark on first ride in Britain
Two days before Hong Kong's superstar jockey Joao Moreira takes part in the Shergar Cup, one of his contemporaries from the country's circuit made his mark when Vincent Ho gained victory on his first ride in Britain.
The former Hong Kong champion apprentice is spending time in Middleham with Mark Johnston, having been recommended by Ryan Moore, and he made an instant impression on the trainer with a well-timed ride on X Rated in the 1m2f handicap at Haydock.
"The pace of the race was faster than expected and the jockeys are more competitive, which is why I came here to learn," said Ho. "This track is very different to the ones in Hong Kong as it's left-handed with long straights so it was a challenge but one that I loved."
View the race replay along with the result here
The 28-year-old, who has ridden two Group 3 winners in Hong Kong, walked the track beforehand and was itching to get started after a delayed start in Britain.
"I came here after the Hong Kong season and have been here a few weeks but have only just got clearance to ride following visa problems. I rode in France and Hungary and only have eight or nine days left before returning home."
X Rated's victory was another for Johnston as he closes in on becoming the winningmost trainer in British racing history.
Ho will be back in action for Johnston on Saturday as he is booked to ride Prestbury Park at Redcar.
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Published on 9 August 2018inNews
Last updated 13:30, 10 August 2018
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