The Hong Kong Jockey Club’s has announced that top New Zealand trainer Jamie Richards will move to Hong Kong for the 2022/23 season.
The move will bring to an end the highly successful association between Richards and Te Akau Racing which has achieved an incredible run of results in recent years.
Te Akau boss David Ellis, as reported on racing.com, confirmed both the move and the fact that Richards will head to Hong Kong with Te Akau’s best wishes.
“It is an honour that Te Akau’s New Zealand trainer Jamie Richards has been invited to train in Hong Kong on the back of his success with Te Akau Racing,” Ellis said. “Jamie commenced his training career in May 2015 – it all started with Te Akau and I am certainly very proud that his and the stable’s success has been recognised internationally,” said Ellis.
“It’s an incredible and rare opportunity for this young New Zealander and we all wish him every success as he pursues his dream of being the world’s best trainer.
For his part, Richards expressed his gratitude for all Te Akau had done for him.
“Being invited to train in Hong Kong is an incredible honour and it’s a dream come true to challenge myself against some of the world’s best,” Richards said.
“I owe so much to Te Akau. There is no doubt that without Te Akau I would not be where I am today or have this international opportunity. They believed in me, mentored me and surrounded me with a truly amazing team, as well as the very best of bloodstock, enabling me to develop my skill and passion as a trainer.
“I am a proud New Zealander and I won’t forget how New Zealand and leading Te Akau Racing has shaped me. I can’t wait to fly the Kiwi flag and be the very best ambassador possible for our industry in Hong Kong.”