Popular Hong Kong apprentice jockey Matthew Poon hopes to bring his winning streak to Singapore in the next two weeks.

The 23-year-old has been cutting a swathe that began in Adelaide, Australia – where he had a cult following and was given the nickname “Poon Train” - and continued in his hometown in the last five months.

Poon makes his Kranji debut this weekend with a potential book of nine rides, including Faaltless for his master for two weeks, Shane Baertschiger, in the $200,000 Group 3 Garden City Trophy (1200m) on Sunday.



Matthew Poon takes five at Kranji on Tuesday, picture Singapore Turf Club

By coincidence, another ‘Matthew’ from Hong Kong happens to be riding in Singapore around the same time and for the same length of stay, Matthew Chadwick, but though their objectives may be somewhat similar, the backgrounds of the visits are different.

Chadwick came off his own bat and is looking to get his fitness level back – just like at his first visit last year - following another recent injury to his right leg. He had his first rides last weekend, but did not score.

Poon will be at his Singapore baptism of fire. He is also getting warmed up for the new Hong Kong season which kicks off on September 3, but unlike Chadwick, he is here under the auspices of Thoroughbred Racing South Australia and the Singapore Turf Club as the Dux of South Australia, and will be indentured to Baertschiger.

Every year in the last seven years, TRSA sends its best apprentice jockey for a short-term attachment to a Kranji trainer in order to gain further riding experience. This is the first time TRSA is being represented by a non-Australian.

Poon was a hit in the last two years spent in Adelaide, bringing up a total of 73 winners before the headquarters asked him to come home. But Adelaide did not forget to reward Poon even after he left.

“It’s my first time riding in Singapore and I’m looking forward to the challenge. I couldn’t thank the TRSA enough for the opportunity,” said Poon who arrived in Singapore on Monday afternoon.

“(Baertschiger’s assistant-trainer) Scott Bailey has helped me settle in and has shown me around. He also helped me get rides.

“Today was my first day at trackwork, and I rode for quite a few trainers. I can’t wait for my first rides this weekend.”

When comparing with previous Adelaide riders who came under the TRSA scheme, one thing that sets Poon apart from the likes of Amy Herrmann, Jamie Kah or Jake Toeroek is his much bigger book of rides.

Maybe it is the Poon Train factor, but the fact that Hong Kong racing has a close following among local racegoers is probably the bigger factor.

Poon for one is not feeling the pressure or hype, saying he is also using the Singapore stint as a springboard to the new Hong Kong season where he intends to give the title a bash, without making it a top priority.

“The timing is perfect as it’s the off-season in Hong Kong now. I will go back on August 14, and I hope that this Singapore experience will help keep my fitness up for the new season,” said Poon who is now indentured in Hong Kong to trainer David Hall.

“Dylan Mo won the premiership last season. It’s very competitive but I will do my best and we’ll see how it goes.

“I actually never rode in Hong Kong before I went to Adelaide, only in barrier trials. I learned a lot in Adelaide and really enjoyed my time there, but had to go back when the Hong Kong Jockey Club asked me to come back in March.

“It took me a few meetings to adjust to the different pace. Everything is so quick and competitive in Hong Kong, the horses, jockeys and track conditions are better.

“There is more pressure. I was a bit lost at first, but I’ve got the rhythm now and have started to get used to it now. I ride mainly for my boss Mr Hall but also for Mr John Moore and the local trainers, too.

“But I have to say my experience in Australia has helped me cope with Hong Kong better. It’s a different experience in Adelaide, but it’s grounded me in handling the different horses and the communication aspect with trainers and owners.”

Poon has already notched 15 winners from 81 rides in Hong Kong, while still sitting in fourth spot on 29 winners on the current Adelaide log. He claims seven pounds (3.5 kilos) in Hong Kong but will be claiming two kilos at Kranji.

The first horses Poon is booked for at Kranji are Certainly, Dreamer Legend, Energizer and Space Oddity (EA1) on Friday, and Faaltless, Lim’s Casino, Justice Lass, Gold Crown and Whose Else’s (EA1) on Sunday.