The Hong Kong International Jockeys’ Championship (HKIJC) is unprecedented globally. While the horse racing community often witnesses songs of glory sung for the equines, this yearly event focuses the light on the remarkable jockeys. On the 6th of December, the Happy Valley course of Hong Kong welcomed the human athletes for a chance at the coveted title. Among the 12 stars, one was as resplendent as ever.

Vincent Ho, on Wednesday, became the first homegrown jockey to claim a win at the esteemed championship. At 33 years of age, Vincent has attained remarkable heights. However, a victory at the IJC was the cherry on top. Following the historic feat, Vincent took an opportunity to exude inspiration for the growing group of enthusiasts.

Vincent Ho flourishes to victory

Ho’s career started back in 2009-10, which led him to an impressive beginning. 64 rides and 10 wins got the budding jockey to the 2010/11 season to earn the title of ‘Hong Kong’s champion apprentice.’ A decade more into his career, alongside Hong Kong’s major Group 1 races, Ho has added the esteemed jockeys’ title to his name. On Wednesday, he raced atop Tomodachi Kokoroe in the fourth and final leg to put 20 points on the scoreboard; reports Paulick Report.

The Longines IJC follows a pattern of hosting four pinnacle races and for the final one, Ho had positioned himself at 5th. Holding onto it, Hong Kong’s leading jockey rose through his injuries, 9 years after his IJC debut in 2014 to clinch a win. The youngster who has Ryan Moore as an idol, on the 6th reigned superior against him and 10 others to etch history and make the home team proud.

The horse racing champion hopes to inspire

In July earlier this year, Vincent encountered a grievous injury, forcing him out the grounds. A fall caused him a fractured T5 vertebra alongside suffering whiplash and a pneumothorax on his lung. The accident was harsh enough to make Ho say, ‘I could have been killed.’ However, the jockey emerged tougher through it all in an act to prove his excellence. “Especially after a tough injury, coming back to win this, I’m really grateful for. Hopefully, this will inspire more generations to come and the Hong Kong people especially,” Ho stated.

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Despite the glorious win, Vincent is inexplicably down to earth, stating he has a lot left to learn. “Christophe, Frankie, and Ryan were always my idols, right up until today, and I keep learning from those good jockeys, those good horsemen. There’s still plenty to improve to (get to) their levels.” Vincent will run his next race on Sunday atop Golden Sixty and look for a continued momentum.

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