Early mornings, strict discipline – the demanding road to becoming a jockey in Hong Kong

Piercing the predawn mist at Sha Tin, floodlights illuminate a deserted track.

There are no cheering crowds or flashing betting boards – just the crisp crunch of hooves on turf.

For Hong Kong’s aspiring jockeys, the gruelling daily grind begins at 4am, far from the weekend glory of the winner’s circle.
Even knowing the future that lies ahead, hundreds of young hopefuls still flock to the Apprentice Jockeys’ School (AJS) at this time of year every year, driven by a shared, steadfast goal.
The...