THE LIFE OF A JOCKEY IN HONG KONG. BRENTON AVDULLA DESCRIBES IT FROM HIS PERSPECTIVE

By Darren Winningham | Friday, April 26, 2024

Winno is on asignment for HRO ... reporting from Hong Kong

What is it like to come to Hong Kong and start a new chapter of a career in one of the toughest and most scrutinized racing stages in the world?

Brenton Avdulla outlined the differences between being a jockey in Hong Kong and being a jockey in Australia at the press conference in the lead up to the 2024 FWD Champions Day.

“It is a different process here altogether. I am used to having a manager back home. They would do everything, and I would be riding four or five times a week. For me to take over and run my business basically 100% is different”, he said.

His process of running his business involves focusing on getting rides and communication with all participants in racing. “You wake up in the morning and there are messages from trainers and owners. You must run your own schedule. You must always look ahead for horses. Sha Tin and Conghua trials – there are always rides there that you are trying to get on.”

Regarding his rides he spoke highly of Hong Kong racing saying, “the rating system is so good in Hong Kong – everything gets its chance at some stage. It might not win this week but will win in the next four weeks. It is such an even racing system that every horse gets its day. In the end the best ride wins the races.”

Lifestyle in Hong Kong with his wife Taylor and his two young children have settled in well. The children are in pre-school

Avdulla said, “I enjoy my lifestyle here – there is plenty of time at home. It is so different to Sydney racing.

“For example, my typical Thursday morning back home would be I would be up at 4:00 am, then ride track work, then get home at 07:30. Then in the bath sweating – then drive an hour and half down the road – ride all day and walk in the door that night at 07:30 and not have seen my kids all day.”

He compared this hectic and demanding routine in Sydney to his current unique lifestyle in Hong Kong. “I live on track, I walk to trackwork, and I am home by 07:00 and I get the kids up. My wife and I have date nights a couple of times a week.”

“The prize money here is great and tax is nearly non-existent, and I am getting good support from a number of owners and trainers.”

Avdulla is determined to make a mark on Hong Kong racing and in some self-reflection since arriving said, “One thing I have enjoyed in Hong Kong is that I have exposed myself and got myself out of my comfort zone, but at the same time enjoying the lifestyle with my family. “

Regarding his current season and his own performance Avdulla said, “It was hard to set a goal when I arrived of how many winners. I thought 30 winners would be good. I am currently sitting on 26. If you had said I could ride two Group 1 winners in that time – I would not have thought that. I have had a couple of Group 2 winners.”

In summary of his current season he said, “Overall I think it has been quite an effective first season.”

Moving forward in the next few months, Avdulla clearly has made a successful transition to Hong Kong racing. His personal performances on the track speak for themselves. Off the track his family life and spending quality time with his young family and wife, Taylor, has seen him grow and become a more accomplished rider.

Regarding staying in Hong Kong long term, Avdulla has made it very clear of his intentions to remain here, “They are going through applications at the moment, and I have put my application forward for the next season.”

One thing for sure he is a wonderful asset to Hong Kong racing. An impressive and measured young man who represents horse racing in a professional manner both on and off the track.

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