Italian jockey Andrea Atzeni is Hong Kong bound, with the England-based rider set to take up a part-season license beginning at the start of the 2023-24 season on September 10.
Atzeni is no stranger to Hong Kong, having ridden a short stint there in 2014-15. In the UK, Atzeni has ridden nearly 1200 winners in Britain, 131 Group and Listed winners, which have earned £27 million in prize-money but since the ending of his association with Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum, opportunities in the top races have waned.
“It’s an opportunity that came along at the right time. It hasn’t been any easy decision but I came to the conclusion that I am at the stage of my career where Hong Kong could be the next step.
“England isn’t getting any easier. I am 32 now and I am going to move and try my luck in Hong Kong. I have a six month contract and I hope to do well enough to be able to extend it.”
Winning the Goodwood Cup twice on Stradivarius, Atzeni has a top chance of adding a third on Yorkshire Cup winner Giavellotto before he departs for Hong Kong.
