Pierre Ng Pang-chi has described it as a “dream come true” to follow in the footsteps of his father Peter Ng Bik-kuen by becoming a trainer.
Ng was announced as the newest addition to the Hong Kong training ranks on Friday afternoon, with the 38-year-old the first local since Jimmy Ting Koon-ho in 2018 to be promoted from the assistant training ranks.
“I would like to thank the club for giving me the opportunity. I will grab this opportunity with both hands and I look forward to my new career as a trainer,” said Ng, confirming he will be leaning on Ting and Frankie Lor Fu-chuen, among others, for advice.
“They are really good trainers now and I’m hoping that I can follow their path and be successful.”
Welcome to the big leagues! ????
Pierre Ng is the latest edition to Hong Kong’s training ranks following successful stints as an assistant trainer to Paul O’Sullivan, John Size and currently Francis Lui. #HKracing pic.twitter.com/2AGjH2PjTZ
— HKJC Racing (@HKJC_Racing) June 10, 2022
Ng spent time as a work rider and stablehand in Australia, including for David Hayes, before returning to Hong Kong to ride work for his father.
He has worked as an assistant trainer for Paul O’Sullivan, John Size and most recently Francis Lui Kin-wai, with his time working alongside Lui coinciding with a significant spike in output from the stable, spearheaded by the brilliance of reigning Horse of the Year Golden Sixty.
Jockey Club executive director of racing Andrew Harding said the Jockey Club is confident Ng is “ready to take the step up to training in his own right” and that he “has everything that is required to be successful and to make an important contribution to Hong Kong racing”.
“The club is deeply committed to developing local talent and we have a comprehensive programme to identify potential future trainers and equip them with the skills and competencies to succeed in this highly competitive environment,” Harding said.
“Through this programme Pierre has had the opportunity to work beside and learn from leading trainers in Hong Kong as well as having valuable opportunities to study leading stables in Japan, the US and Australia.
“He’s been an integral part of Hong Kong stables that have housed world champion horses and he’s also played an important role in successful overseas campaigns.”
Ng and New Zealander Jamie Richards are the two additions to the trainers’ roster for next season, while Paul O’Sullivan is the sole departure.
Friday’s licensing committee announcement also saw the confirmation that Angus Chung Yik-lai will join the jockeys’ roster next season as a 10-pound claiming apprentice.
Chung, 25, has amassed 76 winners from 689 rides in South Australia, earning the praise of boss Jon O’Connor.
“He’s just the complete package Angus, he’s got a great temperament, which is so important for a jockey – he’s very patient with horses,” O’Connor told punters.com.au.
Shinn to leave HK at the end of the season: ‘the mental stress has become too much’
The Jockey Club will soon call for expressions of interest from trainers keen to mentor Chung.
All the expatriate jockeys currently on the roster, besides the departing Blake Shinn, were given full-season licences for 2022-23 as recognition of their sacrifice during the Jockey Club’s suffocating Covid-19 lockdowns.
The 11 local jockeys will also return next season, with Alex Lai Hoi-wing and Victor Wong Chun advised that their performance this season is of concern and should they not improve significantly next term they may not be granted further licences.
Comments
}; (function() { var e = document.createElement('script'); e.async = true; e.src = document.location.protocol + '//connect.facebook.net/' + window.SCMPApp.settings.fb_social_locale + '/sdk.js'; document.getElementById('fb-root').appendChild(e); }());
For all the latest Sports News Click Here
For the latest news and updates, follow us on Google News.
