Racing News  

Cheminaud and Benoist keen to progress in Hong Kong arena

13/11/2015

Vincent Cheminaud and Gregory Benoist are the latest overseas riding talents to commence short-term contracts with the Hong Kong Jockey Club, and this morning, Friday, 13 November, the pair met local media during a press conference at Sha Tin Racecourse.

Cheminaud, 21, is the latest young jockey to arrive at Sha Tin with a view to honing his skills on what is widely-considered to be one of the world’s most competitive circuits, and arguably the most intensely contested. The precocious Frenchman is keen to accelerate his learning curve, having switched to Flat racing only this year after making his name as France’s Champion Jump jockey. 

“This time last year I was riding in Jump races and so I expect to gain valuable Flat racing experience here that will help me advance my tactical awareness and my skills as a Flat race jockey,” said the rider, who will kick-off his two-month Jockey Club contract atop Magical Beam in race two at Sha Tin on Saturday (14 November).

Cheminaud may be a relative novice but the youngster has enjoyed a rapid rise to prominence since switching to Flat racing. He joined the formidable Andre Fabre stable at the start of the current French season and has already bagged a pair of G1s thanks to wins on New Bay in the French Derby and Flintshire in the Sword Dancer Stakes.

“The transition to being a Flat jockey has been made and I was fortunate, in my first season, to ride two very good horses for Andre Fabre - Flintshire and New Bay,” he said. “I’m also fortunate with my weight: for the jumps, jockeys need to be a bit bigger and heavier, so the choice to switch was a natural one.

“Jump racing and Flat racing are two different disciplines, so Mr. Fabre taught me what I need to do to make the transition and be successful on the Flat. At the moment I’m benefitting a lot from that guidance and I’m grateful he took me on.

“Flat racing is faster, more tactical in some ways, and decisions have to be made instantaneously. I will work hard and I hope that everything will be fine for me here in Hong Kong.”

Belgian native Gregory Benoist is consistently in the elite echelon in France’s jockeys’ premiership. At 32, and with almost 1,000 wins to his credit, including a pair of French Classics on the crack filly Avenir Certain, he is looking forward to this next step in his development as a top rider.

“It’s an honour to be here and I’d like to thank the Hong Kong Jockey Club for this opportunity,” said Benoist, who is Al Shaqab Racing’s number one rider in France. “It’s an exciting place to be, especially as a jockey, living and working all on the same site here at Sha Tin - it’s a great facility.”

Benoist, who is contracted for three months, is also impressed with what he has seen of Happy Valley, Hong Kong’s iconic city race-track.

“Happy Valley is quite something, having that racecourse right in the city. It’s interesting and unusual - I had a look around and it’s amazing. I can't wait to ride there,” he said.

Benoist, like Cheminaud, is enthusiastic about the challenge ahead and he is excited to make his Hong Kong debut on Saturday, his first ride being Bear Rapper in race two.

“I’ll do the best I can. I will work hard, try to build relationships with trainers and owners and enjoy my time here in Hong Kong,” he said.

“Hong Kong has a good reputation and is well-regarded for its racing. The quality of the horses here has improved so much and the racing is much better here nowadays. I find it interesting, what the Jockey Club is doing in bringing in overseas riders alongside Hong Kong-based riders. It’s good that we are able to come here and improve our skills in this environment.”

Mr. William A. Nader, the Hong Kong Jockey Club’s Executive Director of Racing, said: “We’re excited to have these two talented jockeys here in Hong Kong. Having them here is another step forward for the Club’s mission and vision to bring the best to Hong Kong. Vincent has arrived on the scene at a young age and he has come a long way in a short time. Gregory has been on our radar for a while - he’s a top rider in France and has been for a number of years. These are two very accomplished riders who will enhance our already world-class jockey roster.”

New Club Jockeys Gregory Benoist (left) and Vincent Cheminaud (right) meet the media representatives in a press session at Sha Tin racecourse this morning.
Photo 1:
New Club Jockeys Gregory Benoist (left) and Vincent Cheminaud (right) meet the media representatives in a press session at Sha Tin racecourse this morning.

Gregory Benoist takes media questions during the session.
Photo 2:
Gregory Benoist takes media questions during the session.

Vincent Cheminaud talks about his aspirations and targets for his upcoming riding stint in Hong Kong.
Photo 3:
Vincent Cheminaud talks about his aspirations and targets for his upcoming riding stint in Hong Kong.

From right: Andrew Harding, Club��s Executive Director, Racing Authority, Club Jockeys Vincent Cheminaud and Gregory Benoist, and William A Nader, Club��s Executive Director, Racing, smile for cameras at the session.
Photo 4:
From right: Andrew Harding, Club��s Executive Director, Racing Authority, Club Jockeys Vincent Cheminaud and Gregory Benoist, and William A Nader, Club��s Executive Director, Racing, smile for cameras at the session.

 

Close

Copyright © 2000-2024 The Hong Kong Jockey Club. All rights reserved.