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It’s happy days as Justin gets a taste of SA

Justin Ho’s enjoyment of “happy Wednesday” in Hong Kong has indirectly led to his 12-month gig as a cadet steward with Thoroughbred Racing SA (TRSA).

Justin joined TRSA recently, after nearly four years as a Hong Kong Jockey Club steward. Initially he was employed within the club’s finance department, but was soon drawn to the on-course action.

“In Hong Kong, at Happy Valley Racecourse, we have this thing called ‘happy Wednesday’,” Justin explained.

“After work, during night races, we would sometimes go there with colleagues, have a drink and look at the races.

“I was 18 months into my finance role, but I was looking for a change. So when this position as a cadet steward came up I applied for it, and it started from there.”

Justin’s first live experience with Australian racing was at a mid-week Strathalbyn meeting, followed by a Saturday meeting at Morphettville, both representing a significant culture shock.

“Until I went to Strathalbyn it was a name I’d only seen on Racing.com before, so it was special just to see the place,” he said.

“Morphettville is very open, compared to say Happy Valley, where there are buildings all around. There’s space at Morphettville.”

Other differences between the two racing precincts become apparent soon after 32-year-old Justin’s arrival.

“Obviously horses race in a different direction here – left-handed here, right-handed in Hong Kong,” he said. “It takes some adjusting to judging if horses are shifting in or out.

“And in Hong Kong we use the pounds system, whereas here it’s kilograms. That requires a little bit of getting used to, especially when a jockey comes in heavier or lighter – you need to know the exact figures.

“But Hong Kong racing is very much based on how Australian racing works, so it’s not that different.”

Initiated by the Hong Kong Jockey Club, Justin’s local placement is aimed at improving his overall skills as a steward.

“We’ve discussed previously that I’ll be involved in all aspects of stewarding, especially stuff that stewards don’t do in Hong Kong, such as surveillance and swabbing,” he says.

“In Hong Kong we choose which horse to be swabbed, but in terms of hands-on work, that is done by the vets and a special team from the security department.

“I believe it will be an all-round experience while I’m here.”

Hong Kong typically races just twice a week, meaning Justin will learn fast from South Australia’s busier schedule.

“Hong Kong has eight races on the Wednesday and normally 10 on the Sunday,” he says.

“In terms of exposure it’s much less that what you guys have here. Here you might have four meetings a week.

“Here I have the opportunity to be involved in more races, so my boss in HK thinks it will help in my development.”

Justin’s excellent grasp of English was honed during 12 years of university life in England.

Justin made special mention of the roles played by TRSA chairman of stewards Johan Petzer and former CEO Jim Watters, and his “Hong Kong bosses” Andrew Harding and Kim Kelly in securing his Australian gig. At the end of the 12 months he will return to his role in Hong Kong.

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