Sunday could mark the end of 26 years as a trainer for Peter Ho Leung, but the veteran says he’s “feeling very comfortable” ahead of the season finale at Sha Tin.
Ho needs two wins in Class Four or better to avoid a third strike for failing to satisfy the Jockey Club’s trainers’ benchmark, which demands 16 victories of single-site trainers and 18 of those with a Conghua base – with only two in Class Five counting.
“I’m feeling very comfortable. I have been at the Jockey Club since I was 19. If I can get the two winners, I am happy. If I cannot make another two, I have to finish my work,” Ho said.
“At least I have tried my best this season. I’ve got 16 winners, but unfortunately, I’ve had too many in Class Five.”
Ho edges closer to avoiding third strike: ‘I am so keen to train next season’
Should Ho not manufacture the two victories he needs this weekend, the Jockey Club has left the door open for him to “appear before the licensing committee should [he] wish to pursue being granted a trainer’s licence for the 2023-2024 racing season”, but the 63-year-old has indicated he will accept retirement should things not go his way on Sunday.
“The rules are the rules. You have to make so many efforts to convince them to give you the licence, but the rules are the rules, and they have to respect the rules. I don’t want to go against the rules,” said Ho, who started at the Jockey Club as a work rider in 1979 before stints as an assistant trainer for Derek Cruz and David Hill.
“I will just try my best to get as many winners as I can at the last meeting to please my loyal owners.”
Ho, who confirmed some travel with his wife is likely to be on the agenda should his career end on Sunday, saddles up five runners at the season finale.
Among them is his highest-rated galloper, Amazing Victory, who drops in grade for the Class Three Sight Winner Handicap (1,600m).
“I hope they can perform well, even if they can’t win. As long as they try their best, I am happy, but I think all of them have got a chance,” he said.
While things are up in the air for Ho heading into Sunday’s meeting, there is no doubt about Richard Gibson’s Hong Kong future as he brings the curtain down on 12 seasons in the city.
Gibson has three runners as he chases a 287th and final Hong Kong winner, sending around Nordic Combined, Ernest Feeling and Talents Supremo.
One trainer who will be continuing next season is Manfred Man Ka-leung, with the Jockey Club confirming in February he can continue beyond the age of 65 despite not hitting the metrics required to carry on beyond the standard retirement age.
Man is currently equal with his previous best of 43 wins in a term and takes a team of nine to Sha Tin as he looks to better that mark. If successful, Man will join Francis Lui Kin-wai and David Hall in posting personal-best hauls this season.
Jockeys Alex Lai Hoi-wing, Jack Wong Ho-nam and Victor Wong Chun are hanging up their whips at the end of the campaign, but only two get the chance for a farewell ride on Sunday.
Lai jumps aboard Copartner Era and Big Red before heading off to join David Hayes as a senior work rider and Victor Wong partners Lucky Victor and Bear Slam, while Jack Wong – who will join the Jockey Club’s Racing Talent Training Centre – does not have a ride.
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