Brian Andrews leaving Hong Kong

Press, 29 May 1982, Page 17

Brian Andrews leaving Hong Kong

NZPA Hong Kong The former New Zealand jockey. Brian Andrews, is quitting ;ne Hong Kong racing scene after three seasons in which the number of mounts offered to him have steadily declined. Andrews, who is 39, said he had been virtually frozen out of the racing scene in Hong Kong. “I've enjoyed riding here." he said. “It has been interesting — and very educational, but the jockey seems to get the rough end of the deal all the time." His decision comes just a week after four expatriate jockeys, including the former Sydney champion. Kevin Langby, have had their applications for licences next season rejected by the Royal Hong Kong Jockey Club. The four jockeys have appealed against the decisions, which have been widely criticised in Hong Kong racing circles. The Hong Kong racing season ends tomorrow and then goes into a four month summer break.

Andrews, who has had only 71 rides for seven wins. 10 seconds and six thirds this season, said he had turned down the opportunity of one ride tomorrow and would instead leave for a holiday with his wife and two teenage daughters in China. They then planned to go to Melbourne, where he owns a house and was riding before moving to Hong Kong at the beginning of the 1979-80 season. He said he had arranged to spend six weeks riding on the Malaysian-Singapore circuit for the Singapore-based trainer. Alex Rodgers, and would then decide where his future lay in Australia. Schooling for his daughters.

aged 15 and 13, was an important factor. Andrews spent his first two season in Hong Kong riding for Arthur Ward, but then, in a well-publicised split he switched to Gordon Smyth for the 1981-82 season.

He rode 26 winners in his first season in Hong Kong and 18 in the second.

Although highly regarded by many good judges of jockeys, Andrews has found it increasingly difficult to obtain rides — even from his own stable — this season.

Smyth frequently preferred to use the top French jockey, Philippe Paquet, who normally rides in Hong Kong during the European winter but this year decided to stay

for the remainder of the season.

There are also persistent rumours in Hong Kong that Andrews angered a prominent owner by winning an early-season race on a horse that was not meant to win. and that as a result he has been refused subsequent rides by that owner and others. Andrews told N.Z.P.A. that he had heard such a suggestion from a number of sources, and added: “I feel the Jockey Club should have asked me a few questions.” He said the club seemed willing to take measures against jockeys but was reluctant to question the actions of owners and trainers.