POON PONDERING FINAL FLING

Hong Kong jockey spotted at Raffles Cup meeting, keen to ride at Kranji farewell

- Michael Lee

The familiar face of Hong Kong jockey Matthew Poon seen mingling around at the Kranji races on Raffles Cup day on Aug 11 could be a harbinger for one last cameo.

In town for a three-day visit during the Hong Kong recess, the 30year-old squeezed in a lightning visit to catch up with people he met during his highly successful Kranji stints in 2017 and 2018.

Poon was not dropping by for just the social side, though.

"It was good catching up with all the people I got to know here, like Donna Logan, James Peters, Tim Fitzsimmons. Too bad, Shane Baertschiger (his main sponsor at his two Kranji stays) has left, but I had dinner with Scott Bailey (Baertschiger's ex-assistant trainer, now Singapore Turf Club race commentator) last night," he said.

"I really loved my time here.

That's why I'd also like to ride here at the last meeting on Oct 5.

"It's so sad it'll be gone. It would mean a lot to me if I could ride for one last time before this place closes down.