Joining Hong Kong’s world-class jockey ranks is a daunting challenge for many newcomers, but for David Probert, he felt the time was right to finally make the move this year.

An accomplished jockey in the United Kingdom with more than 1,600 career winners, the Welshman has been licensed to ride in Hong Kong until February 17 and starts his new venture with two rides at Sunday’s season-opener at Sha Tin.

“I’ve been approached [by the Jockey Club] three or four times in the past and I didn’t think I was ready to take that next step in my career, but I’ve ridden consistently over the last seven years and I felt as though this was the right time to do it,” Probert said.

“When [the Jockey Club’s secretary of licensing] Terry Bailey asked me again this year, I just took the opportunity and thought ‘why not?’. It’s nothing ventured, nothing gained I’d say, so I’m looking forward to what Hong Kong has to offer.”

While Probert might lack the profile of some of the international riders recruited to ride in Hong Kong in the past, the 36-year-old has built a strong reputation since launching his career in 2007.

Under the tutelage of top trainer Andrew Balding, Probert was crowned Britain’s champion apprentice on the flat in 2008.

He has added another two titles to his CV – Britain’s champion all-weather jockey and Welsh flat jockey of the year, both in 2022 – while also winning an Oaks in India and riding in Dubai, Qatar, France, Germany and Italy.

A Group One success has so far proven elusive, with Probert’s best results being seconds aboard Tip Two Win in the 2018 2,000 Guineas and Hoo Ya Mal in the 2022 Epsom Derby.

Probert was in awe of Sha Tin when he first arrived in Hong Kong last Friday.

“It’s a kind of dream place, isn’t it? It’s kind of like Miami Beach – it’s a surreal place,” Probert said.

“It’s a bit overwhelming, but something new is always going to be difficult, isn’t it? I’ve been speaking to a lot of trainers, riding work and trials and getting a feel of the grass and dirt tracks.”

Acutely aware of the challenge he faces, Probert isn’t setting himself any specific goals and will take it one step at a time.

“Getting my first winner will probably be a weight lifted off my shoulders,” Probert said.

“I’d love to do as best I can and build up some connections. It’s about opening new doors, a new adventure, something I’ve never done before.

“I’ve ridden overseas a bit, so hopefully I can bring that to the table. There are some world-class jockeys here and they’re hungry for rides, so it’s going to be a hard playing field, but I’m looking forward to getting started.”

Probert and Richard Kingscote are the new additions to Hong Kong’s riding roster this season, with the latter returning to the city after booting home four winners in a short stint last term.

Probert will ride Chris So Wai-yin’s Manythanks Forever in the first race of the season, the Class Five Grassy Hill Handicap (1,200m), and the Dennis Yip Chor-hong-trained Otokomae in the Class Three Lantau Peak Handicap (1,200m) on Sunday.