Legendary Hong Kong Jockey Douglas Whyte Retires
Jockey Douglas Whyte can claim bragging rights to the most successful race-riding career in Hong Kong history. The 13-time champion jockey bowed out after last weekend's race meeting at Sha Tin Racecourse, saluting his fans long after the last race had weighed-in.
The day delivered heart-warming displays of respect and appreciation for a sportsman whose achievements have lifted him high into the pantheon of racing’s legends.
Whyte retires with a Hong Kong career total of 1,813 wins – 894 more than current champion Zac Purton – total stakes money of HK$1,587,210,086.67, multiple Group 1 scores and, of course, his defining 13 consecutive premierships (2001-2013). His win strike rate over more than 22 years riding at Happy Valley and Sha Tin stands forever at 14.78%.
Earlier, Whyte received a silver dish and a commissioned painting from the Jockey Club. That came after race four, before a parade ring full of his weighing room colleagues, trainers, media, and family, with a few thousand appreciative spectators looking on.
Credit: HKJC