Apprentice Britney Wong is relishing the competition riding in Hong Kong and the season’s leading jockey on Sha Tin’s dirt course is aiming to extend her buffer with eight rides at Wednesday’s nine-race all-dirt programme.
Indentured to trainer David Hall, Wong has an unmatched seven wins on the dirt this term ahead of Luke Ferraris (5 wins), Matthew Chadwick (4) and Vincent Ho (4). The 25-year-old is the first female apprentice to ride in Hong Kong since Kei Chiong.
Britney Wong celebrates victory atop Natural High with David Hall (Pic – HKJC)
Wong is a product of The Hong Kong Jockey Club’s Apprentice Jockeys’ School. After completing overseas training in Australia and New Zealand, she returned to Hong Kong, where she has ridden 12 winners from 135 rides in the city’s intense racing cauldron.
“As a 10-pound claimer, I am very happy with the results that I have so far and all of the opportunities I have been given – I really appreciate it,” Wong said.
The affable Wong partners four last-start winners at Sha Tin: Patch Of Watch, Shanghai Style, Natural High and Ariel. Hong Kong racing is a steep learning curve for young jockeys, but Wong feels it sparks motivation and continually pushes her to new highs.
“In Hong Kong if you give an inch, they will take an inch. One decision can ruin your race, so it’s a big step up,” Wong said. “Working in a high-pressure environment will hopefully develop me faster. The main thing is to not try and take on too much pressure but see it as a learning process.”
Natural High was a first win for Wong in tandem with Hall. The duo teams up with the Power gelding in Wednesday’s second section of the Class 4 Kestrel Handicap.
“I won’t say it was surprising but it was a breakthrough for him. It was his first win on the dirt and it was the first win for me with my boss. It means a lot and hopefully we’ll keep the ball rolling on Wednesday,” Wong said. “It’s really special.”
Natural High goes from barrier 11 of 12 in the sprint contest worth HK$1.17 million.
“He pulled up really well. He’s feeling nice and fresh now. I galloped him the other day. He’s sort of a horse who knows what to do and he knows how much he needs to put in, so he’s a smart horse and he won’t put any extra into it unless you make him.
“I think that’s how he stays fresh. Last time when he won, the morning before when I rode him, he actually had a little bit of attitude in him and I can feel it again this time. I’m looking forward to Wednesday,” Wong said.
With her 10lb claim in use, Natural High carries 124lb, while Ariel is expected to carry a featherweight 109lb in the Class 3 Flamingo Handicap from gate seven under Wong for trainer David Hayes.
“Ariel goes for the same speed for a long period of time, so again, we will try to jump and be positive and see where we land. Also, it’s not necessary that he needs to lead. He can be lovely sitting off the leader or anywhere close to the lead. He’s a pretty genuine horse to ride,” Wong said.
Wong also pairs with Speedy Fortune, Flying Silver, Fun N Glory and Sing Dragon.
Ben Thompson is aiming to improve on a last-start second with Forever Folks in the first section of the Class 4 Peacock Handicap for trainer Michael Chang.
“He went really well last start. He’s very fond of the all weather track and more often than not he’s a permanent fixture when there’s a Class 4 over 1650m – it’s just a pattern that’s become a happy pattern for him, and he’s very consistent over the course and trip – hopefully he goes one better than last time,” Thompson said.
Wednesday’s nine-race all-dirt fixture at Sha Tin kicks off at 12h45 with the Class 5 Swan Handicap.
