Leung chases Irish rider

Dual Derby-winning jockey Ray Cochrane has been approached to ride for trainer Andy Leung next season following Richard Quinn's decision to remain in Britain.

The 39-year-old Ulsterman won the 1988 English and Irish Derbys on the Luca Cumani-trained Kahyasi and has been in the top rank of riders in Britain for the past 15 years.

From England last night Cochrane said: 'I have been approached to ride in Hong Kong next season for Andy Leung and at the moment I am considering all the options.

'I enjoyed a brief stint as a Club jockey in Hong Kong about four years ago and would have liked to stay longer. But racing closed down because of a virus and I went on to India.

'The offer is tempting. I have not got a huge string of horses to ride here although I am kept busy. It is a situation which I have to consider very carefully.' Quinn's decision not to ride permanently in Hong Kong followed a crucial meeting with principal owner Prince Fahd Salman. It rocked Leung, who had already informed the Jockey Club that Quinn was prepared to ride here.

Cochrane is a particularly stylish rider who has also won the 1,000 Guineas and the Oaks - both on Midway Lady - and a string of other Group races in England and Europe.

Born in County Down in the same area as John Reid, Cochrane spent five years apprenticed to Barry Hills but hit the big time with Cumani. Apart from the dual Derby success, they also enjoyed triumphs in major races across Britain.

But the association came to an end when Cumani decided that compatriot Frankie Dettori was the ideal choice for stable jockey.

Since that split Cochrane has freelanced and generally rides around 80 winners a season.

An accomplished horseman, which would stand Leung in good stead for morning work, Cochrane has ridden winners over jumps and hurdles.

He has also ridden abroad before, having spent a number of winters in India.

His one previous stint in Hong Kong was cut dramatically short after just three meetings when the influenza virus brought Hong Kong racing to a halt and led to a three-week hiatus in the middle of the season plus the postponement of the International Races.

Cochrane is expected to give a decision on the offer within the next 48 hours after talking it over with wife Ann and his leading owners.