David Probert will make his Hong Kong debut on Sunday. Photo: HKJC
Joining Hong Kong’s world-class jockey ranks is a daunting challenge for many newcomers, but for David Probert, he felt the time was right to finally make the move this year.
An accomplished jockey in the United Kingdom with more than 1,600 career winners, the Welshman has been licensed to ride in Hong Kong until February 17 and starts his new venture with two rides at Sunday’s season-opener at Sha Tin.
“I’ve been approached [by the Jockey Club] three or four times in the past and I didn’t think I was ready to take that next step in my career, but I’ve ridden consistently over the last seven years and I felt as though this was the right time to do it,” Probert said.
“When [the Jockey Club’s secretary of licensing] Terry Bailey asked me again this year, I just took the opportunity and thought ‘why not?’. It’s nothing ventured, nothing gained I’d say, so I’m looking forward to what Hong Kong has to offer.”
