Vincent Ho is set to fulfil a long-held ambition by joining Charlie Johnston’s team of jockeys at the Qatar Goodwood Festival.
Known in Hong Kong for his success with the superstar Golden Sixty, Ho has always wanted to experience the unique challenges of Goodwood’s undulating Sussex Downs. He was scheduled to attend last year’s summer meeting, but had to withdraw after a fall in Japan left him with a fractured T5 vertebrae and concussion.
Now 34, Ho, who was part of the Shergar Cup-winning Rest of the World team at Ascot in 2019, is ready for his Goodwood debut. He has been booked for three rides on the festival’s opening day and hopes to secure more mounts as the week progresses.
"Goodwood has been on my radar for a while, and I’m excited to finally ride there,” said Ho. “I’ve followed Goodwood races from Hong Kong, so competing there is fantastic. I’m thankful to Mr. Johnston for the rides and plan to stay for the entire festival, no matter the number of rides."
This will be Ho's first time at Goodwood, but he's familiar with UK racecourses, having won seven races during previous stints in 2018 and 2019. His latest trip began with a win at Pontefract, and he has also raced at Musselburgh, Leicester, Doncaster, and Sandown.
Ho appreciates the variety of British tracks compared to the uniform conditions in Hong Kong. “I’m enjoying exploring these different tracks, as UK racing offers unique challenges,” he noted.
He'll stay in the UK until August 17 before heading to Japan. “I always feel welcomed here, and the kindness of everyone makes my experience enjoyable," he added.