He shares the title of Hong Kong’s most-suspended jockey but Grant van Niekerk is looking to make amends for his on-track misdemeanours at Happy Valley today.
He has felt the wrath of the stewards five times this season, matched only by apprentice Alfred Chan Ka Hei, but clearly has not been forgotten by owners and trainers with the 28-year-old picking up a full book of eight rides at the city track upon his return.
Now in his second term, he enjoyed a stellar 2018/19 by securing 31 wins, a score he is on track to eclipse with 31 wins already next to his name this season.
“It’s not very nice because I missed out on a Class 1 win – obviously in Hong Kong you always want to be riding, you don’t want to be missing meetings but I suppose though it’s inevitable. It’s going to happen and it’s very strict in the boardroom,” Van Niekerk said.
Among his haul this term is the Gr2 Premier Bowl on Seasons Bloom and Gr3 Bauhinia Sprint Trophy (1000m) on Big Party, his second and third at Pattern level in Hong Kong, while he was also a head off securing his first Gr1 in Hong Kong when Thanks Forever narrowly missed in January’s Centenary Sprint Cup.
“Racing here is quick – you’re always trying to get the best position so occasionally you are going to find a bit of trouble every now and then, I just have to make sure it doesn’t happen as often and going forward I’m ensuring I do my best to stay out of the boardroom.”
Today’s card sees Van Niekerk return with eight chances, including Takingufurther in the Class 3 Kowloon City Handicap (1200m).
“It was a nice win last start – this is a little bit more of a competitive field, I have plenty of respect for This Is Class who I think is quite a good horse – so I have to try and beat him,” Van Niekerk said.
“He’s a horse that if he goes forward he gives his best, he much prefers to be there,” the South African said.
Van Niekerk also combines with Me Tsui for two rides; the pair have been a formidable combination this season teaming up for six wins, one of those wins coming with Jolly Honour, who contests the second section of the Class 3 San Po Kong Handicap (1650m).
“He’s a bit of a cheeky horse to ride – I sort of have to go a little early on him because he gets going but he doesn’t really turn it on as you’d want him to,” Van Niekerk said.
“I think last time I went a touch too soon so they caught me at the end, I’ll just be a little bit more patient and ride the race as it goes.”
The duo also link up with Victory For All in the Class 4 To Kwa Wan Handicap (1200m). The son of Holy Roman Emperor surprised when he flashed home at 89/1 from the tail of the field last start over this course and distance to finish third, beaten by half a length.
“I had no confidence going into the race but Me Tsui mentioned that he was working well, I just gave him a chance from that draw and he finished his race off really well, I don’t really want to change much with him into his next run – I’ll just give him a chance and hopefully he can do the same,” Van Niekerk said.
The gelding will step out from gate seven for Van Niekerk against 11 rivals.
“He can be a bit closer this time without having to chase as much from the good draw but as long as he switches off, I’m sure he’ll give me a good finish,” he said.
Wednesday’s eight-race card at Happy Valley commences with the Class 5 Ma Tau Wai Handicap (1000m).
