Multiple South African champion Lyle Hewitson gets his big chance to build on his current Hong Kong season when he replaces Yuga Kawada in Wednesday’s LONGINES International Jockeys’ Championship at Happy Valley.
In sad news, prior to departing Japan on Monday night Jockey Yuga Kawada tested positive to COVID-19. This forced his withdrawal and in accordance with the provisions of the IJC prospectus, Lyle Hewitson has been substituted for Jockey Kawada in the four IJC races.
Lyle Hewitson – gets the chance after unfortunate positive for Japanese rider (Pic – Candiese Lenferna)
Accordingly, the Hong Kong Jockey Club Stewards approved the following riding substitutions:-
Race 4: CHARMING STEED – L Hewitson
Race 5: SUNNY DELIGHT – L Hewitson
Race 7: RED MAJESTY – L Hewitson
Race 8: HERE COMES TED – L Hewitson
So with added South African interest, the stage is set for a spectacular night’s racing with the world’s two highest-profile female jockeys; the soon to be crowned LONGINES World’s Best Jockey of 2022; a husband and wife and four past winners, including a local hero seeking a third straight victory competing in a compelling 25th edition of the LONGINES International Jockeys’ Championship.
The four-race IJC series is part of a nine-race card at Happy Valley, starting at 12h30.
The first IJC race is the fourth on the programme, the Class 4 LONGINES International Jockeys’ Championship Handicap – 1st Leg (1000m) at 8.10pm and the Championship will conclude with race eight, the Class 3 LONGINES International Jockeys’ Championship Handicap – 4th Leg (1200m) at 10.10pm.
The meeting also sees the return to race riding of the 2019 IJC winner Karis Teetan, who has been sidelined since September.
