Hong Kong’s latest star apprentice jockey Ellis Wong Chi-wang credits the Jockey Club’s Racing Talent Training Centre (RTTC) with more than just “a solid foundation in riding and fitness” but, now, a lucrative career.
From this week until July 4, aspiring Racing Trainees can apply to be part of the RTTC’s latest intake for an internationally recognized course that for the last 50 years has produced high quality trainers, jockeys and equestrian professionals.
Wong is one of them: he joined the Apprentice Jockeys’ School as a Racing Trainee in 2017 and eight years later the 24-year-old is one of the rising stars of Hong Kong racing. The fame and fortune is nice, but along with that are the life lessons he has been able to learn.
“I’m really encouraged to have been riding more winners recently, which I attribute to the professional mindset and disciplined approach instilled in me through the training,” Wong said. “I’ve learned to think about and approach things with focus, preparation, and positivity.”
Racing Trainee applicants must be at least 15 and have completed Form 3 or higher. There is no height limit or prior riding experience needed but the reference weights of apprentice jockeys is less than 105 pounds and less than 125 pounds for work riders.
What is more important, officials say, is attitude: “candidates who are diligent and possess a positive and proactive attitude, as well as having a passion and aptitude for sports are encouraged to apply,” a Hong Kong Jockey Club press release said.
Just 25 applicants will be chosen to join the program, their selection based on riding and fitness tests conducted in July and August, ahead of a shortlisting for enrolment in an orientation camp.
