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By putting family first, two-time Singapore champion apprentice jockey Simon Kok Wei Hoong has shown that winning is not everything in racing.

When news came through in December his grandfather was not in good health back in his Ipoh hometown, and may not live long, Kok didn't hesitate a second.

While back-to-back titles was all done and dusted towards the tail-end of the 2020 Singapore season, heading up to Malaysia to be by his "gong gong's" bedside would probably mean missing out on the early part of the new 2021 season.

Kok didn't give it a second thought. On the next day, he was on the North South Expressway in a car bound for Ipoh.

Unfortunately, his grandfather passed away last month, but Kok was glad he had been able to see the most important person in his life one last time.

"My gong gong was the one who raised me. I consider him like my true parent," said Kok.

"When I heard he was not well and didn't have long to live, I knew I had to go up and see him. Races can be won anytime, I would have regretted for the rest of my life if I didn't go.

"He was not bedridden yet when I reached Ipoh, so we were able to catch up. I showed him my pictures of me winning the Singapore Gold Cup on Big Hearted, he was very proud.

"But then his condition took a turn for the worse and unfortunately, he died just before I was meant to return to Singapore on January 18. I'm so happy I got to spend some time with him before he passed on, it meant a lot to me."

Upon his return to Singapore, Kok had to serve a two-week quarantine at the INSEAD Residences on Ayer Rajah Avenue because of the COVID-19 protocols. He came out after a negative test on Monday, and was straight back to business on the next day, and will have his first Kranji meeting back this Sunday.

"I rode four in trackwork and one in a barrier trial (Salvador) yesterday (Tuesday), and today I rode a bit more. My fitness levels are coming back," said Kok, who is indentured to trainer Steven Burridge.

"I've taken six rides this Sunday. They're all okay chances, but if I had to pick my best chances, I would say Military Chairman and Miej are the ones."

Kok said he had been keeping an eye on the races while he was away, especially the Singapore apprentice jockeys' premiership which currently has last year's runner-up Hakim Kamaruddin tied with the much-improved Iskandar Rosman at the top on five winners, both fellow Malaysians like him.

The equestrian-based rider is aware he will have to buck up to play catch-up, but it's not a predicament he is unfamiliar with, albeit not entirely under the same circumstances.

"In 2019 at my first full season, I only began in April after coming back from a stint in Tasmania and I also hurt my ankle. I still became champion in the end," he said.

"No doubt it's only one month (January 2021) I missed, but things are different this time. Hakim and Iskandar are riding very well and they have very good support.

"I'm looking forward to the challenge. I think I will have to work harder this time as I now claim only one kilo while they both claim three.

"But I had to be by my grandfather's bedside last month. Racing is my job, but it means little compared to your family and loved ones."