Jockey Chan ready for career change

Jack Dawling

A lack of opportunities and motivation has led freelance jockey Alfred Chan Ka-hei to call time on his riding career at the end of the season, although he is planning to stay in the industry in a different capacity.

Chan, 30, has collected 66 wins from over 1,100 rides but feels his recent injury, along with a host of new overseas jockeys on the riding roster, has made it difficult for him to gain support.

"I've lost a bit of interest and motivation in the saddle," Chan said. "I suppose I'm just not as desperate as I used to be.

"It's very competitive in Hong Kong now and after my fall at Conghua, I lost all my connections and I haven't got much support since."

Chan, who completed his apprenticeship at the end of the 2020-21 season, was sidelined for a month after he suffered a bruised thigh when he fell from a horse during a barrier trial in October.

A keen sailor who was good enough to make the Hong Kong sailing team during his younger years, Chan applied to the Hong Kong Jockey Club's apprentice school as an 18-year-old who had never touched a horse before.

He completed his overseas training in New Zealand and South Australia, where he rode 49 and 50 winners, respectively, before entering the Hong Kong scene for the 2018-19 season.

He had to wait until his second campaign to enjoy success, collecting 22 victories, including his only treble at Sha Tin in June 2020.

"I've had a great time as a jockey and the highlight was definitely riding the treble," said Chan.

This term, the jockey has returned one win from only 16 rides and he feels the time is right to turn his attention to a career after riding.

He said he had spoken to trainer Caspar Fownes "if there is any position for me in the yard if I retire and he said there will hopefully be some work for me."

"He said, 'you're young, you may as well start trying to train instead of mucking around with not many rides'.

"I had a think about it and yes, he is definitely right."

jack.dawling@singtaonewscorp.com