Search

show me:

Simon Kok rides first winner in Victoria

3 minute read

Simon Kok Wei Hoong has not taken too long to get off the mark at his new Australian stint.

Rising star Simon Kok Wei Hoong cuddles up to his pet horse Autumn Rush.
Rising star Simon Kok Wei Hoong cuddles up to his pet horse Autumn Rush. Picture: Singapore Turf Club

The newly-crowned Singapore champion apprentice jockey rode a winner at his third ride in Victoria – Inner Demons, the favourite for his new masters David Hayes & Tom Dabernig, in a handicap race over 1450m at Tatura on Sunday.

Kok has just begun a new apprentice jockey exchange between Singapore Turf Club and Racing Victoria. Jessica Eaton was the inaugural beneficiary of the scheme in November booting home two winners during a three-week stint at Kranji.

Kok, who arrived in Australia on November 30, has quickly reciprocated with a first winner, which he hoped would be the start of more success at his one-month stay with Hayes & Dabernig.

"This is my third ride. I had a third (Seberate) yesterday at Pakenham, and now I've got my first winner," said Kok.

"Tatura is a tight track with a frontrunner bias. That horse (Inner Demons) has natural speed, he did nothing at the beginning to get to the front early, and won easily."

Kok, who last year spent three months in Tasmania, said he was happy with the way things have panned out thus far.

"I like the horses at Mr Hayes' yard. They are really nice to ride," he said.

"It's just a bit cold in the morning even though it's summer, but I've settled in very well. I was in Flemington for a week but I've now moved to their Euroa farms, which is an amazing place.

"I'm not sure what Mr Hayes has booked for me next. I will just keep working hard and hope I'll get more opportunities in the next few weeks."

Kok is due to come back to Singapore on December 29.

"I should be back riding at home at the New Year Cup meeting," he said.


Singapore Turf Club

Think. Is this a bet you really want to place?

For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit www.gamblinghelponline.org.au