Horse Racing News Update: Andrea Atzeni Raring to Go for Second Hong Kong Season

Jockey Andrea Atzeni is eagerly anticipating his return to Hong Kong for his second season in the racing hub, following a successful stint that saw him finish fourth in the jockeys’ championship last term. The Sardinian rider made a winning return to Newmarket during his brief visit to the UK, a fitting echo of his farewell to British racing 12 months ago when he guided Lezoo to victory in the Hopeful Stakes.

Despite the allure of his homecoming, Atzeni remains committed to his Hong Kong venture, viewing it as a strategic move that has already reaped dividends. “It’s a yearly contract and I’ll try to stay in Hong Kong as long as I can, but England has been home to me for 17 years, so it is always nice to come back here,” he explained.

Atzeni’s Successful First Year in Hong Kong

Atzeni’s first year in the Far East was marked by 48 winners, a solid performance that has whetted his appetite for more success. He acknowledged the tactical demands of Hong Kong racing, stating, “It definitely improves you tactically as a jockey, as you need to be very tactically aware, and the club is brilliant and the prize-money is unbelievable.”

The Challenges of the Hong Kong Racing Calendar

The 10-month racing calendar in Hong Kong presents its own challenges, with Atzeni highlighting the need for a break during the summer months. “In Hong Kong, we race for 10 months, it is very full on โ€“ it is very competitive and very intense,” he said. “You do need a bit of a break, as you don’t get any breaks during the season, you race every week.”

As Atzeni prepares to return to the Hong Kong circuit, he is confident in his ability to build on his first-year achievements, citing the valuable experience gained and the opportunity to further hone his skills in the challenging, high-stakes environment.

“It’s a yearly contract and I’ll try to stay in Hong Kong as long as I can, but England has been home to me for 17 years, so it is always nice to come back here.”

๐Ÿ”— Source