Jockey Antoine Hamelin admits to feeling sad whenever he thinks about his imminent Hong Kong departure, but it’s certainly been nothing but smiles and celebrations on the racetrack as the Frenchman finishes his five-year stint in the city with a flourish.
Victorious at three of the past four meetings, Hamelin will say farewell to Sha Tin this Sunday before signing off at Happy Valley next Wednesday.
“I’m feeling OK, not too bad, but when I think about it I’m very sad. When I met my friends for a farewell it was very sad, but it was good to see everyone before I go,” he said.
“It’s always better to leave like this,” he added of his strong form, which has seen a quarter of his 12 winners this season come in the past two weeks.
Antoine Hamelin enjoys his win aboard Red Majesty on Wednesday night.
“Some trainers have given me support before I go, which I really appreciate, and I’ve managed to get the horses who are in good form. Everything has gone quite smoothly recently, so I’m not complaining.”
Hamelin has five chances to continue his hot run this weekend, headlined by last-start winner Rising From Ashes in the Class Three All You Wish Handicap (1,400m) and Beauty Missile in the Class Four Victory Marvel Handicap (1,200m).
“I really like Rising From Ashes, who won really well last time and is in good form. He looks good,” said Hamelin.
“The other horses there are a few question marks. Beauty Missile has gate 14, so it’s not going to be easy, but I would really love to win with him before I go. He’s in my heart and I always enjoy riding him. He’s always trying really hard but it is hard to win with him.”
Antoine Hamelin is hopeful of more success aboard Rising From Ashes this weekend.
Hamelin’s overall Hong Kong win tally has risen to 111 in recent weeks and it’s his scarcely believable five-timer at Sha Tin in January 2021 that is burnt into his memory.
“I have a lot of good memories and of course the highlight is five winners in a day. That was amazing, crazy. I still remember it like it was yesterday,” he said.
“I have a lot of good memories and not only from racing. I have met a lot of good people here. It’s been nice to work with jockeys from everywhere on the planet. It’s one of the best jockey rooms in the world. That’s how you learn – with the best around you.
“I also learned a lot from the trainers. It’s very different from my country. I think I’ve become a better person for being here for five years. I have learned a lot.”
Antoine Hamelin acknowledges his remarkable five-timer in January 2021.
Hamelin is also confident he will return to France a better rider and he won’t be wasting any time, eyeing the Deauville meeting in early August as a likely kick-off point.
“I won’t be starting from zero but almost. There are new trainers and old trainers who have retired, but I’m not worried because my manager is waiting for me and we always did a great job together. I’m sure we’ll do well,” he said.
“I’m better than when I left so some doors will open and I think it’s going to be OK. The target will be to get back in the top 10 in France like I used to be, then I will be happy.”
