Australian hoop Michael Dee kicked off his Hong Kong stint on a flying note by steering his first ride to victory.
Last year’s Caulfield Cup-winning jockey partnered with David Hayes to get Starry Night home in race two on the Happy Valley card.
Dee, who took out last Saturday’s Goodwood with Royal Merchant, finished among the placings in three of his four rides with his worst result running fourth.
JUST ABSURD! ????????
Michael Dee nails a first win at his first ride in Hong Kong aboard the David Hayes-trained Starry Night. @lindsayparkrace#HappyWednesday | #HKracingpic.twitter.com/4zz9Ph6vUs
— HKJC Racing (@HKJC_Racing) May 24, 2023
“I think that’s certainly the dream start – to ride a winner on my first horse but unfortunately, I couldn’t get a second winner,” Dee told the Hong Kong Jockey Club.
“Couldn’t ask for a better start. That’s what dreams are made of and I was hoping I would come here tonight and for it to be a successful one. Thank you to David Hayes and his team for having me on these horses tonight.
“I‘ve obviously watched a lot of races here at Happy Valley. I just think you’ve got to be on your game quite a lot but still ride your race within reason and in a way, still let things unfold.”
Dee’s next opportunity will come at Sunday’s Sha Tin card where he’s been booked for seven rides and will clash with fellow Australian riders Zac Purton, Hugh Bowman and Brenton Avdulla.
One of those rides includes last year’s Wagga Guineas winner Publicist.