Richard Kingscote knows the numbers haven’t told the full story – but he’s hoping a win for Ricky Yiu can help change the conversation.
The British jockey scored aboard Rising Force after beginning the meeting with three wins from 159 rides since returning on a full-time basis. While the strike rate has drawn attention, Kingscote’s season has been defined by a disproportinate number of seconds (12), thirds (13) and fourths (12) far outweighing winners during the same stretch.
“I’ve been frustrated with the amount of seconds and thirds and bad draws,” Kingscote said. “But lots of horses have been running very well.”
Kingscote rode three winners during a short-term stint last season, including Rising Force, and said patience was always part of the plan when committing full-time to Hong Kong.
“I come to these places knowing it’s going to take time to bed in,” he said. “We always knew it would take time but the family and I are happy here."
The win came with an element of much-needed luck for the Brit, when wayward race favorite Crossborderpegasus again through the race away with wayward racing manners.
Trainer Ricky Yiu publicly backed Kingscote after the win, describing him as “easy to deal with” and praising his contribution during a difficult stretch.
For Kingscote, the result was less about relief than reinforcement.
“Everyone knows how competitive Hong Kong is,” he said. “We’re settled, we’re happy to be here, and it was nice to get on what could be a smart little horse today and get another winner for Ricky.”
