Success in show jumping: ex-racehorse Come On Wongchoy is shining in new equestrian pursuits under the ownership of Christian Allderidge. Photograph: HKJC Come On Wongchoy wasn’t a standout racehorse – but he is flourishing in his new career in eventing thanks to the Hong Kong Jockey Club’s Restart programme. The racehorse aftercare initiative in Hong […]
Come On Wongchoy wasn’t a standout racehorse – but he is flourishing in his new career in eventing thanks to the Hong Kong Jockey Club’s Restart programme.
The racehorse aftercare initiative in Hong Kong is known as Restart, and few examples embody its revitalizing goals better than Come On Wongchoy, who once felt like a racehorse running on empty before discovering his newfound vigor through a different path, a fresh focus in life.
The gelding was hardly noticed at Sha Tin and Happy Valley, a name easily overlooked even in the lowest Class 5 races. With just one victory to his name, racing wasn’t truly his forte – but now he’s the most prominent figure in the post-racing arena, complete with a trophy collection to match.
“He’s a quick learner,” notes his owner Christian Allderidge. “So much so that he has been awarded the Equestrian Federation of Hong Kong China’s Best Retired Racehorse for the past two years. He’s truly an exceptional horse.”
From rags to riches, zero to hero. Come On Wongchoy received a new mission and a new name – Allderidge refers to him as ‘Hugo’ – when he exited the racing scene in late 2020. It was a moment for renewal; time for Restart.
“Ex-racehorses constitute a major part of our equestrian centre’s horse population, so we apply to the Hong Kong Jockey Club to obtain horses directly from their Restart retraining programme,” says Allderidge, who manages Lo Wu Saddle Club, where Hugo resides, just a short distance north-west of the Sha Tin racecourse.
Inspired selection
“This happened during the Covid pandemic, so instead of the normal evaluation and trial process, I simply chose him from the videos provided to us.”
It proved to be an inspired decision. Hugo quickly demonstrated a talent for his new position as a competition horse, astonishing Allderidge with his swift advancement.
“It was evident upon his arrival that he had a natural flair, alongside being an intelligent horse who learned rapidly,” he explains.
“With that talent came a rather active mind, and initially, he was quite reactive. One of the biggest challenges during the early days was keeping him engaged in a positive way while allowing him adequate time to physically develop. Building his confidence in both his capabilities and his rider took some time.
“However, nearly four years later, Hugo has progressed from having no competitive experience as an equestrian horse to successfully competing in FEI (Fédération Équestre Internationale) events across the three Olympic disciplines – dressage at medium level, show jumping at 110cm, and eventing at 100cm.
“One of our most memorable moments was his victory in the FEI World Dressage Challenge Senior I competition in 2022,” shares Allderidge. “He was the sole retired racehorse in that class, making it an achievement I am extremely proud of.
Incredibly proud
“There was also the memorable occasion when he completed a clear round in cross-country,” he continues. “Hugo wasn’t naturally the most confident when he began eventing and experienced some minor setbacks, so the first time everything clicked and he confidently went clear was another moment of immense pride for me.”
The confidence that came from doing a great job was absent during Come On Wongchoy’s racing days, marked only by a lone win while front-running at Happy Valley and followed by numerous defeats where he never placed better than seventh. The Restart programme has offered him a new lease on life.
Hong Kong’s initiative for retired racehorses – established in 1964 and enhanced in 2020 with the opening of the Retired Horse Unit at Conghua – relies on five key pillars, focusing on aiding the transition from racetrack owners to post-racing owners, as well as promoting and supporting these horses’ new careers, forming the foundation of the program.
This initiative holds particular significance for the sport in Hong Kong compared to elsewhere, as over 90 percent of horses in the area are geldings with no future breeding opportunities and limited resale value.
Retirement contribution
When a horse enters Hong Kong, an owner pays a fee that contributes to the horse’s retirement fund. At the end of its racing career, the owner has the option to export the horse to a preferred country, reclaiming the fee, or, if they opt against this, they can transfer the horse to the care of the Hong Kong Jockey Club.
The horse then undergoes an assessment for entry into the Restart retraining programme, while the retirement fee is retained to support the program’s funding along with additional financial contributions from the HKJC.
Images of Come On Wongchoy in competition fill the promotional sections of the HKJC website, affirming his role as a symbol of the potential that lies ahead for retired racehorses.
Allderidge is deeply aware of the importance of Hong Kong’s aftercare initiative, and the role Hugo fulfills within it. “I can’t emphasize enough how vital it is, and the Hong Kong Jockey Club executes it exceptionally well,” he states.
“The ability to provide these horses with a second career, bringing joy to many more individuals, is something truly remarkable.
“The HKJC views each horse as an individual and strives to match them with the most appropriate second career,” he adds. “A significant portion of the equestrian sport horse population here consists of retired Thoroughbreds, thus the foundation of our industry relies on these beautiful beings.
“Moreover, retired Thoroughbreds are frequently utilized to teach riding, which makes Hong Kong a distinctive environment for riding schools in that aspect.”
Hugo has launched the 2024-25 season on a positive note, and Allderidge is eager about the possibility of another triumphant season. More fulfilling than trophies, however, is the chance to continue their development in Hugo’s new role, to see how far they can advance together.
Very affectionate
“Hugo is one of the easiest horses I’ve ever had the pleasure of caring for,” remarks Allderidge. “He is very affectionate, enjoys cuddles, scratches, and attention, and he has a genuine affinity for people. He undoubtedly distinguishes between work and rest periods, remaining much more alert during work, yet he always gives his utmost and puts in 100 percent effort.”
His swift and assured progression has equipped Hugo with yet another skill set. Retired Thoroughbreds may often be employed to instruct novice riders in Hong Kong, but it requires a higher level of skill and generosity to assist more skilled riders in their growth. With Hugo’s restart, there’s no limit to his potential.
“Since establishing himself in his second career, he has started working with younger, aspiring competition riders to aid in their training,” notes Allderidge.
“For me, this is the most rewarding aspect of him, and it will remain central to our partnership – simply witnessing how kind and trusting he has become, and how he has developed his confidence to the extent that he can now help the upcoming generation to progress.
“Hugo has achieved success as a racehorse, thrived as a competition horse, and is now on his journey to becoming a schoolmaster as well. He truly is an extraordinary horse.”
• Visit Restart retraining web page and the Hong Kong Jockey Club website
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