In Hong Kong racing, loyalty is rarely rewarded. Jockeys – particularly local riders – can do the hard yards, win races and still find themselves replaced as the stakes rise and bigger names come calling.
That reality makes the rise of Winning Wing – and the relationships behind it – one of the quieter feel-good stories of the season.
The stayer has delivered two wins this term, both ridden by Dylan Mo, during a campaign where opportunities have been scarce for the 31-year-old. Through the first 31 meetings, Mo has had just 33 rides in total, for three wins, and since his last victory with Winning Wing on November 23 – a day when he had just the single ride – Mo has endured ten winless starts.
The story begins with Kei “KK” Chiong, the former star apprentice, whose growing bloodstock business led her to Winning Wing – a horse she spotted when it steamed home late to win a maiden at Murray Bridge in South Australia.
“I was given the task from the owner to find a stayer – I was fortunate enough to … in a 1000m race – he has stamina on both sides of the pedigree,” Chiong said. “To find a stayer in a 1000m race, I thought that was something.”
The horse was always bred to improve with distance.
“He won over 1000m but is clearly bred to appreciate more than 1000m – his sire Preferment competed in the Victoria Derby and won the Tancred Stakes and ran in the Melbourne Cup – the dam Stand Firm is a half-sister to Columbus County, who won over 1800m.”
Chiong retired in 2018 but is finding her feet in the competitive world of Hong Kong bloodstock – Winning Wing is one of four multiple winners she has helped procure – the others being Do Your Part, Special Hedge and Rising From Ashes.
Winning Wing – now rated 82 – is the best of them so far but the connection with the horse runs deeper than ratings points or a pedigree page. Winning Wing’s success has deepened an already strong bond with Mo.
“Dylan and I, our friendship began in 2009 when we both got into the apprentice school. It has been 17 years now – it has been a long friendship – we have consistently stayed in touch, even after I retired,” she explained.
That bond was forged far away in New Zealand.
“One key factor in our friendship was the time we spent overseas together. Hong Kong apprentices get sent overseas for experience and we both went to New Plymouth in New Zealand with trainer Allan Sharrock – so we lived in the same house – we were the only two Hong Kongers, so we looked after each other.”
New Plymouth is a long way from Hong Kong’s New Territories and the two teenagers found common ground in wanting to be the best they could be as athletes.
For Mo, those early years remain foundational.
“Looking back at the old days, we both entered the apprentice school when we were just teenagers,” he said. “As the school aims to produce world-class jockeys, the training programs were intense … Kei was one of my closest companions and we supported each other during hard times.
“I still remember the time when we had to cycle uphill to buy daily necessities at the supermarket and returned to the hostel after a day of hard training from early morning.
“Not only physicality and fitness is needed but also a tough mentality … to prepare us to face the potential challenges ahead.”
Mo has battled at times during recent years – especially after losing his apprentice allowance following his 60th win. He had just four wins last season. And in a year in which he became a father for the first time, Winning Wing has become a stabilising force.
“Since graduating from the apprenticeship, I have found it a challenge to find support,” Mo said.
But with what he called a “harmonic partnership” with Winning Wing, he has bounced out of bed each day before dawn.
“Winning Wing is one of the reasons I look forward to morning trackwork everyday,” Mo said, saying Winning Wing was “more than just a racing horse to me but a lovable companion.”
Mo continued: “He reminds me not to forget my dream as a jockey; to keep the passion alive and focus on improving.”
Perhaps the defining loyalty belongs to owner Johnny Yau Ying-chuen – given he is the one who would be undoubtedly receiving calls and messages from senior riders wanting to take over from Mo on the horse.
“We have to give a lot of credit to the owner – apart from him being a client, he is a family friend, but he has also been very supportive to local jockeys – and not just high profile ones,” Chiong said. “Even the previous horses he has owned, he has supported low profile jockeys.”Now stepping into Class 2 over 2000 metres, Winning Wing carries more than form – he might be the key to Mo continuing his career.
“I believe a jockey’s journey faces ups and downs,” Mo said. “With lessons learnt from the previous years, together with the support from Winning Wing, I am determined to achieve success this season.” ∎
