He’s coming off his best campaign in five years and Keith Yeung Ming-lun admits he’s as content with his career as he’s ever been.
Into his 16th Hong Kong season, Yeung knows better than most the plight of a local jockey battling away in the bottom half of the premiership table, but he’s certainly not complaining.
“I think I’m enjoying it more now than ever,” said the 36-year-old, who has recently joined forces with a new personal trainer and is in the gym six or seven times a week.
“I’ve got into a routine of training and diet that I’ve never done before, so I’m living and training with more discipline. I feel like what I’m doing means something.
Master Of All finds his winning groove! 👏
— HKJC Racing (@HKJC_Racing) April 7, 2024
The Charm Spirit gelding lands the opener at Sha Tin under Keith Yeung for trainer Chris So... #HKracing pic.twitter.com/0OfVhhwvXw
“Whether I’m having winners or not, I’m doing all I can and there’s no regrets.”
After 18 successes last season, Yeung has landed three victories from 68 rides through the first 16 meetings of 2024-25.
He’s scrapping for opportunities like most on the Hong Kong roster and doing his best to make them count when they come his way.
“It’s not too bad. For me, it’s always the same. It’s a challenge every season but I just keep my head down and keep working hard. I’m still loving it,” he said.
Master Of All is master of the opener! 🚀
— HKJC Racing (@HKJC_Racing) May 11, 2024
The Charm Spirit 4YO goes back-to-back under Keith Yeung to provide Chris So with his 30th win this season... #HKracing pic.twitter.com/o6rUFQFuEA
Yeung heads to Sha Tin on Sunday with six chances to strike, including Senor Toba in the Group Three Sa Sa Ladies’ Purse (1,800m), but it’s aboard Master Of All that he will be best placed for success.
Yeung has partnered the Chris So Wai-yin-trained five-year-old in his past six starts, with the pair combining for two wins, three seconds and a third.
Those three runner-up efforts have come in Master Of All’s past three starts, including first up over six furlongs last month, and Yeung hopes a step up in trip for the Class Four Eleanor Handicap (1,400m) can prove the winning formula.
“The horse is fit after his first run and 1,400m is his distance,” Yeung said of the son of Charm Spirit, who saluted twice over seven furlongs last season, including a three-and-a-half-length romp in May.
Rounding out Yeung’s weekend hand are Kingly Demeanor, Carryon Smiling, The Way We Win and Ace War.