Jockey Lyle Hewitson to Depart Hong Kong at Christmas, Fellow Rider Chung Injured
SCMP · 1 SOURCESabout 5 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
South African jockey Lyle Hewitson is set to leave Hong Kong just before Christmas, with his licence withdrawal effective December 24, bringing an end to a successful career that has produced 177 winners in the city. The 29-year-old, who first arrived in 2019 on a short contract before returning in November 2021, cited personal reasons for his departure. The Hong Kong Jockey Club has accepted his request to end his licence. Separately, local jockey Angus Chung Yik-lai faces an extended spell on the sidelines after sustaining injuries in a fall during morning trackwork on Tuesday.
Key Points
- Lyle Hewitson will depart Hong Kong on December 24, 2026, with the Jockey Club approving his licence withdrawal request .
- The South African jockey has accumulated 177 winners during his Hong Kong career spanning two periods .
- Hewitson first came to Hong Kong in 2019 on a six-month contract, riding three winners before returning in November 2021 .
- The 29-year-old cited personal reasons for returning to South Africa after establishing himself abroad .
- Angus Chung Yik-lai suffered a nasty fall during trackwork on Tuesday and is expected to miss up to six weeks of action .
Why It Matters
Hewitson's departure marks the end of an era for one of Hong Kong's most popular international jockeys, creating a gap in the colony's competitive riding roster. Chung's injury compounds the disruption, leaving the local jockey pool facing reduced options heading into the busy Christmas racing period .
Hewitson's departure marks the end of an era for one of Hong Kong's most popular international jockeys, creating a gap in the colony's competitive riding roster. Chung's injury compounds the disruption, leaving the local jockey pool facing reduced options heading into the busy Christmas racing period .