Welsh jockey David Harrison had his initial licence to ride in Hong Kong extended yesterday - but the axe fell on Frenchman Freddie Sanchez.
Harrison rode in this year's Melbourne Cup and won last year's Hong Kong Derby on 132-1 shot Holy Grail. He can now ride here until March 15.
'I am absolutely delighted to be staying on,' he said. 'I think it has been quite a good spell for me so far and this gives me a chance to build on what I have done.
'I was hopeful because I think the Licensing Committee knew that there were trainers willing to support me.
'I just try to be available for those who want me and do the best I can.' But the topsy-turvy career of Sanchez will officially end on January 31 following the refusal of the Licensing Committee to extend the period of his existing licence.
Sanchez came first as a Club jockey for the final three months of last season and rode chiefly for Patrick Biancone. He then signed on as his stable jockey for the present campaign.
When Biancone was suspended for 10 months after one raceday this season, Sanchez found himself jobless but was granted a Club licence until the end of January.