From once having been the staple of the racing scene, retained jockeys have tended to be less fashionable over recent times - but John Moore's early successes this season have highlighted the benefits of having a stable rider on hand.
There have been some highly successful partnerships over the past decade or so after interest in retained jockeys had waned but trainers and jockeys in general have been satisfied to join forces on the run.
In particular, the success of Douglas Whyte as a free agent getting on and off horses as and when he thinks they are ready to win or past it, is a strong argument for jockeys not to want to be tied to a yard.
But then there probably is not room for more than one or two riders in Hong Kong racing to be able to do what Whyte does.
Trainers also have tended to be happy enough to use whoever is available, as the depth of jockey talent is always so strong.
But having a top jockey tied to the stable - and not just for race days - has its value too if you listen to Moore as he racked up doubles at the opening three meetings.
