I was in New Zealand for one year as an apprentice jockey at Wexford Stables. My time at Wexford was tough but good - I learnt a lot. I was able to get a lot of raceday opportunities which led to winners. 

 

It’s not easy for a boy to leave his home town and move to the other side of the world, but everyone in the stable was very welcoming towards me and what I learnt was invaluable. 

 

 

Originally I didn’t choose to come to New Zealand but went to Australia instead. I rode a lot of work there but never got the opportunity to ride raceday so I requested the Hong Kong Jockey Club move me. At the time, Derek Leung had just finished his stint with Wexford so they sent me there. 

 

 

It was great to have Lance (O’Sullivan) as my mentor - he is one of the champions and I will forever be grateful that he shared his experience and advice with me. We would watch all of my race replays and talk about where I could improve my riding. 

 

There were also a lot of very good riders in the North Island during my time. Michael Walker and James McDonald were two that stood out and I learnt a lot riding against those quality jockeys. When I first started riding I thought you needed luck to get winners but I quickly learnt that was not the case and how to ride a proper race.

 

New Zealand really toughened me up - not only physically but mentally as well. That has helped me hugely in Hong Kong. It is extremely competitive up here and you have to be very tough mentally otherwise you just won’t be successful. The competitiveness in Hong Kong is crazy. 

 

 

A few things still stand out, one being my first winner on Miss Raggedy Ann. There is actually a bit of a funny story behind it. The colours she carried were black with a gold emblem in the middle. In a pure coincidence, my parents had changed the wallpaper at home to an almost identical pattern the day before my win aboard her. I think it might have been lucky. 

 

I remember my last winner in New Zealand well. It was aboard Pinocchio at Ellerslie. Earlier this year I rode one of her babies, Full Of Beauty, in the International Sprint here in Hong Kong. 

 

I also remember setting a record of riding 38 horses in one day while in New Zealand. I rode 10 gallops at trackwork before heading over to the Cambridge trials where I rode 28 more. Looking back on that day it was tough, but I don’t think many other people can say they rode 38 horses in one day! 

 

 

I headed back to Hong Kong for the 2009/10 racing season, where I am still riding as a freelance jockey with a Hong Kong Jockey Club licence. I have also ridden a little in Europe. 

 

Editor's note: The very humble Vincent did not touch on some of his notable successes, which include claiming the Hong Kong apprentice jockey’s premiership in 2010/11, being the leading freelance jockey in 2014/15 and leading homegrown rider in 2014/15 and 2018/19. Vincent’s more notable wins include the Queen’s Mother Memorial Cup, Hong Kong Derby, the FWD Champions Mile and Shergar Cup Mile at Ascot in 2019. Vicent has notched up more than 300 winners in Hong Kong and HK$100 million in stakes. 

 

 

The Hong Kong Derby with Golden Sixty. I have ridden Golden Sixty since his first start and know him inside and out - to win the derby with him was very special. There was huge pressure heading into the race, with him being undefeated this season. When we crossed the line I felt pure joy - and much relief! I slept very well that night. 

 

When he won the Derby, he also became just the second horse to win all of the 4-year-old classics. My first Group 1 with Southern Legend in the FWD Champions Mile last Sunday was also very special. 

 

 

For a holiday, I would love to. The nature in New Zealand is amazing and something I miss being in Hong Kong. You never know - when I retire one day I might consider New Zealand!  Everyone is so friendly. 

 

 

Trust your instincts and be prepared to work extremely hard.