Hong Kong apprentice jockey Kei Chiong, who was formerly apprenticed to Matamata trainer Graham Richardson and then New Plymouth trainer Allan Sharrock, was presented with the People's Choice Award at the Dubai World Cup Welcome Reception on Thursday, March 23 in Dubai.

The People's Choice Award was part of the inaugural His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Horse Racing Excellence Awards. Banner moments in racing from jurisdictions which participated in the 2016 Dubai World Cup were eligible for consideration and Chiong's record-setting four-win day at Sha Tin on 10 April was one of four nominated moments.

Racing fans worldwide voted for the People's Choice Award via social media, with Chiong's accomplishment earning the most number of votes.

The first female apprentice jockey to compete in Hong Kong for more than 15 years, 24-year-old Chiong rode 43 winners in New Zealand.