American Aaron Gryder, who won the Dubai World Cup, and Australian William Pike have answered a call from the Jockey Club to ride at the final meetings of the season and alleviate the jockey shortage. With a number of jockeys sidelined by injury and suspension, the club is walking a tightrope with numbers and an offer to riders found guilty of careless riding on Wednesday night to take fines instead of bans failed to attract much interest. The club has imported Singapore-based Robbie Fradd toda
American Aaron Gryder, who won the Dubai World Cup, and Australian William Pike have answered a call from the Jockey Club to ride at the final meetings of the season and alleviate the jockey shortage. With a number of jockeys sidelined by injury and suspension, the club is walking a tightrope with numbers and an offer to riders found guilty of careless riding on Wednesday night to take fines instead of bans failed to attract much interest.
The club has imported Singapore-based Robbie Fradd today to fill the gap, but Pike and Gryder will be in action for the final four meetings of the season. Gryder, 39, will become the first US-based rider to take up anything more than a visitor's licence since Gary Stevens 14 years ago. The winner of more than 3,100 races, Gryder is best-known as the partner of 2009 World Cup winner Well Armed.
For 23-year-old Pike, Perth's leading jockey, the final four meetings will also be a chance for the West Australian star to introduce himself to Hong Kong racing. Pike has already been licensed to ride here from September with a half-season licence for next term. Pike is due to arrive on Monday and Gryder on Wednesday, with the two jockeys to take mounts at Sha Tin next week.