There was a time when Keith Yeung believed his riding career was nearing its end. Yet on Sunday, 22 March, the jockey finds himself preparing for the biggest ride of his career in the BMW Hong Kong Derby at Sha Tin, partnering Juneau Pride for champion trainer John Size in the HK$26 million contest.
The opportunity marks a remarkable turnaround for Yeung, who only a few seasons ago was contemplating stepping away from race riding entirely. Now, as the city builds towards the prestigious BMW Hong Kong Derby (2000m), the 37-year-old is firmly back in the spotlight with one of the race’s intriguing contenders.
“I was actually looking for a job as a work rider a few seasons back,” Yeung reflected. “I went to a few trainers and asked them if they wanted a work rider. I was going to finish up, and I was serious about it. Somehow though, I started training harder and taking things more seriously, and it just turned around. It all began to fall into place.”
The resurgence has been striking. Now in his 18th season in Hong Kong, Yeung has already ridden 15 winners after 54 of the season’s scheduled 88 meetings. That tally places him comfortably ahead of the difficult seasons earlier in his career when he recorded only eight wins in 2019/20 and nine in 2020/21 before rebuilding with 18 and 20 victories across the last two campaigns.
Across his Hong Kong career, Yeung has amassed 339 wins since debuting as an apprentice in 2008/09 under former trainer Almond Lee. Support this season has come from a range of leading stables, including Francis Lui, David Hayes, Danny Shum and Size.
“I’m lucky to have supportive owners and trainers who believe in me,” Yeung said. “That trust gives you confidence and makes the job much easier.”
A Surprise Opportunity in the BMW Hong Kong Derby
The chance to ride Juneau Pride in the BMW Hong Kong Derby arrived unexpectedly. According to Yeung, the opportunity came after a conversation with Size in the paddock following a set of trials.
“I was standing there by myself when John came up and asked what I was riding in the Derby,” Yeung recalled. “I said nothing, of course. Then he told me, ‘You’re riding my horse – he might get in, so text me after the entries come out.’”
The moment caught Yeung off guard, turning anticipation into nervous excitement as he waited for confirmation of the entries.
“It was something I hadn’t even been thinking about,” he admitted. “But once he mentioned it, I started asking everyone when the Derby entries would be announced. It’s a wonderful opportunity and I’m very grateful.”
Juneau Pride, a three-time winner by Pride Of Dubai, steps beyond 1400 metres for the first time in the Derby. Although Yeung has yet to partner the gelding in a race, he has ridden him in trials at Conghua and believes the horse offers versatility in running style.
“He’s a lovely ride, especially with the hood on,” Yeung said. “You can put him almost anywhere in the race. The distance is a question for everyone, but we’ll see how things unfold after the draw.”
The gelding heads into the Derby following a strong finishing second to fellow contender Emblazon over seven furlongs on 1 March, a performance that hinted at his staying potential.
Size’s Proven Record in Hong Kong’s Premier Classic
Trainer John Size is no stranger to success in the BMW Hong Kong Derby, having previously captured the race with Fay Fay in 2012, Luger in 2015 and Ping Hai Star in 2018. The Australian-born trainer’s extraordinary Hong Kong career has produced more than 1,600 winners since the 2001/02 season.
Victory this weekend would mark the biggest triumph of Yeung’s career. His most notable success to date came aboard Dances With Dragon in the 2020 G3 Premier Plate Handicap (1800m), but the Derby represents a different level of prestige within Hong Kong racing.
With a field of 14 promising four-year-olds set to assemble at Sha Tin, the stage is set for another dramatic edition of the city’s most coveted race. For Yeung, it is not just another ride — it is the culmination of resilience, patience and belief in a career that once seemed close to its final chapter.
Should Juneau Pride deliver on Sunday, Yeung’s comeback story could gain its most memorable moment yet in the BMW Hong Kong Derby.
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