Ho Cheuk-yin Makes History as First Jockey Named Among Hong Kong's Top 10 Outstanding Youth
HK01 · 6 SOURCESabout 4 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
Ho Cheuk-yin has been selected as one of the Ten Outstanding Young Persons 2026 by Junior Chamber International Hong Kong, making history as the first jockey ever to receive this honor in the award's 54-year existence. The Hong Kong Jockey Club offered its heartfelt congratulations to the homegrown rider, praising his exceptional achievements in horse racing, his relentless pursuit of world-class excellence, and his dedication to giving back to the community. Ho, who rose to fame as the regular jockey of four-time Horse of the Year Golden Sixty, has overcome significant adversity, including a life-threatening accident in February 2025, to emerge as a role model for Hong Kong's youth. The award recognizes not only his competitive success but also his demonstration of resilience, humility, and the spirit of continuous improvement.
Key Points
- Ho Cheuk-yin was elected to the Ten Outstanding Young Persons 2026 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre on October 6, becoming the first jockey in the selection's 54-edition history to earn this distinction
- He partnered with Golden Sixty to achieve 26 wins together, including the Four-Year-Old Triple Crown series, the Hong Kong Derby, and multiple international Group One races
- In 2023, Ho became the first Chinese rider to claim the International Jockeys' Championship title
- On February 9, 2025, he suffered a severe fall during a Sha Tin race, resulting in brain hemorrhage and cervical fractures, spending four days unconscious in intensive care
- Ho began riding at age 13-14 through summer classes at the Hong Kong Jockey Club's Public Riding School, and despite achieving top grades in English and Accounting during Secondary 3, he chose to pursue his jockey dream with his family's blessing
Why It Matters
Ho's historic selection challenges the traditional perception of horse racing in Hong Kong, demonstrating that jockeys operate as elite professional athletes requiring exceptional physical skill, mental resilience, and unwavering discipline . His journey from a teenager who fell in love with horses in the urban jungle of Hong Kong to an internationally recognized champion provides an inspiring narrative for young people pursuing unconventional career paths, particularly given his remarkable recovery from a near-fatal accident to return stronger than before .
Ho's historic selection challenges the traditional perception of horse racing in Hong Kong, demonstrating that jockeys operate as elite professional athletes requiring exceptional physical skill, mental resilience, and unwavering discipline . His journey from a teenager who fell in love with horses in the urban jungle of Hong Kong to an internationally recognized champion provides an inspiring narrative for young people pursuing unconventional career paths, particularly given his remarkable recovery from a near-fatal accident to return stronger than before .