Juniors thrown in with the big boys after education Down Under

The Hong Kong Jockey Club bowed to pressure and licensed two more inexperienced apprentice jockeys yesterday, despite the sluggish demand for the current juniors. Paul Lo Pak-hing and Jacky Tong Chi-kit are to start their Hong Kong careers immediately after creating good impressions on minor tracks in Australia and their addition to the roster doubles the availability of claiming jockeys as they join last season's top junior, Way Leung Ming-wai, and 10-pound claimer, Thomas Yeung Kai-tong.

The inexperienced Yeung is still finding his feet in Hong Kong racing, with the result that he has hardly been in prolific demand, but Jockey Club director of racing Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges said he did not believe the introduction of more juniors was a gamble.

'There is the risk that there will not be sufficient opportunities for all three, but we cannot please everybody. We had considered waiting until they had 150 rides but we are getting glowing reports from their trainers, David Hill and Ivan Allan, and we have received complaints that there are not enough 10-pound claimers.

'It won't be easy, we know that, but we think it is important they all become integrated into the system in the next few months,' Engelbrecht-Bresges said. 'Traditionally, the apprentice riders are in highest demand late in the season, probably from late March onwards. Because the demand has not been strong for Thomas, we don't see that as a reason to hold back these other boys from their development.

'It might also make the path a bit smoother if there are three, as having only one means he receives perhaps too much focus.'

During their training placements in Australia over the past six months, Tong has been the more experienced of the pair with 134 rides for five winners and 23 minor placings. Lo has had 110 rides, but has ridden eight winners and 22 placings.