More than a decade after first visiting Hong Kong as a young rider taking in the spectacle, Jason Collett returns this week with a very different purpose. The Sydney-based jockey heads to Sha Tin on Sunday with a Group 1 assignment, booked to partner Giovanni in the HK$30 million QEII Cup over 2000 metres.
For Collett, now 34 and firmly established among Australia’s leading riders, the trip marks both a professional milestone and a personal full-circle moment. His first experience of Hong Kong came in 2012, when he travelled with fellow New Zealander Gareth McRae during the Hong Kong Derby campaign of Fay Fay.
Back then, Collett was still early in his career and absorbing the scale of elite international racing. He recalled the visit as an eye-opening week, one that left a lasting impression and planted the idea of one day returning in a competitive role.
That opportunity has now arrived. Japanese trainer Haruki Sugiyama has secured Collett for four-year-old Giovanni in one of Asia’s most prestigious middle-distance contests, where the pair will face a deep field headed by champion Romantic Warrior and Group 1 performer Masquerade Ball.
Collett acknowledged the task ahead, noting the difficulty of measuring form lines across jurisdictions, but he made clear he relishes the challenge. With limited time before race day, much of his focus will be on learning more about the field and adapting quickly to the unique demands of Sha Tin.
The jockey’s visit also forms part of broader plans to ride in Japan during the winter months. Giovanni is expected to contest further Group races there, making the Hong Kong engagement an ideal early opportunity to build familiarity with the horse in top-class company.
Collett arrives in strong form. Earlier this month he partnered Changingoftheguard to victory in the Group 1 Sydney Cup over 3200 metres, underlining his credentials on the biggest stage. Last Saturday at Randwick he added another success aboard Asterix in the Group 3 JRA Plate and finished second on Lazzura in the Group 1 All Aged Stakes.
His career has already included notable highlights. During his apprenticeship with leading Sydney trainer Chris Waller, Collett rode champion mare Winx in the first two wins of her extraordinary 37-race streak, giving him an enduring link to one of racing’s modern greats.
Now another major chapter awaits. Sunday’s QEII Cup presents a stern examination, but it also offers Collett the chance to announce himself on one of racing’s most international stages.
With his young family set to accompany him during his time in Japan, Collett also indicated he would welcome future opportunities in Hong Kong should they arise.
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