3 minute read

Rising star part of ROW team

Vincent Ho hopes the experience of riding in the Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup on Saturday will help him become a better rider in the long term.

Ho is currently riding in Britain for a second spell, having enjoyed a brief time of it last year. To date he has ridden three winners from just 11 rides this season, riding principally for Mark Johnston.

A rising star in Hong Kong, Ho is riding for the Rest of the World team with Australian Mark Zahra and Japan's Yuga Kawada.

"Middleham and Newmarket have so much space and I really enjoy the relaxing atmosphere," said Ho.

"I've made new friends and Mr Johnston is great to ride for as he gives you great confidence to ride your race without strict instructions.

"I also took the chance to see the sights on a day off in Edinburgh last week, which was beautiful, but I'm really looking forward to Ascot now."

Ho kicks off Saturday's card by riding the Stuart Williams-trained Street Parade in the Shergar Cup Dash, before partnering course and distance winner Genetics for Andrew Balding in the Shergar Cup Challenge.

He appears to have strong claims aboard Marcus Tregoning's recent Salisbury winner Power Of Darkness in the Shergar Cup Mile, while the Steve Gollings-trained Aspire Tower looks to have an each-way chance in the Classic.

Ho's final mount is Richard Hannon's Magical Wish in the Sprint.

He added: "The travelling involved in riding in Britain can be tiring, but I definitely feel this whole experience is helping me.

"Of course, in a competition like this you need a bit of luck in drawing the right horses. To ride a winner would be very special but, whatever happens, this will help open up my mind a lot more and help me to become a better rider."