The following interview on Greg Cheyne appeared in part in the popular Hong Kong newspaper, Apple Daily, facilitated by SAHorseracing.COM. The latest South African jockey recruit will be arriving in the Chinese city shortly to commence the most exciting time of his riding career. The 33 year old 2008 Canon Gold Cup and 2009 Vodacom July winner will have his first stint in Hong Kong after the most successful season of his career to date.

1. Is that your first time apply for riding in Hong Kong?

I applied in 1997 but I was told that I was far too young at that time.

2. Can you tell Hong Kong racing fans briefly your background?

I am South African born & live in Cape Town. I started my apprenticeship in 1991 & qualified in January 1996. I was based in Cape Town at the time but moved to Johannesburg for the ‘96/’97 season to ride for Mike de Kock. I moved back to Cape Town at the end of that season. I have also raced in Mauritius & Germany. I was selected to represent South Africa & rode at an international jockey’s invitational meeting last year in Seoul, Korea. I have won the East Cape jockeys’ championship 3 of the last 4 seasons & hold the record for the most winners in a season in the Eastern Cape. I have finished with more than 120 winners in the last 4 seasons. This current season I have ridden 152 winners including x5 Group 1 races. I have ridden a total of 9 Group 1 races & more than 50 Group & Listed races in total. I also served as the chairman of the Western Cape jockey’s association from 2002 – 2008.

3. There are two south african trainers in Hong Kong, David Ferraris and Tony Millard. Do you know them well?

I know both Mr Millard & Mr Ferraris & have ridden winners for Mr Ferraris in South Africa.

4. Which South African jockeys you know in Hong Kong?( Douglas, Marwing, Jeff Lloyd)?

I know all the South African jockeys that are in Hong Kong presently & have ridden with all of them in SA.

5. Why you have interests to ride in Hong Kong?

Hong Kong racing looks extremely competitive & a lot of the best jockeys in the world are riding there. I look forward to the opportunity to being able to compete at the highest level.

6. When will you come to Hong Kong?

I will arrive in the middle of August.

7. As Hong Kong competition is very keen. Even well known jockey Kevin Shea got little support here. Do you worry about this?

As I said, Hong Kong racing is very competitive & it will take a lot of determination & work to be successful. I can not come over with the attitude of how difficult it could be, rather how successful I will be.

8. Would you please introduce your family background? Are you marry? Do you have children?

I am married to Claire. We have no children. In my spare time I enjoy playing golf & watching sport. I really look forward to being able to watch the HONG KONG 7’s rugby while I am there.



Latest Racing C.V:

CAREER WINNERS: 1105

GRADED WINNERS: 9 x GROUP 1

More than 40 GROUP 2, 3 & Listed Races

2005 - 2006: Placed 6th on SA National Log - 125 winners
Champion jockey Eastern Cape

2006 - 2007: Placed 6th on SA National Log - 122 winners

2007 - 2008: Placed 5th on SA National Log - 123 winners