Champion Hong Kong apprentice Matthew Chadwick has notched another milestone, outriding his allowance in record time.The 19-year-old notched his 70th winner at Sha Tin on Sunday, little more than 12 months after he started riding in Hong Kong.Howard Cheng Yue-tin took two years to ride his 55th winner and set the then record for graduation from the juniors in April 2001.Like many Hong Kong apprentices, Chadwick began his career in Australia but unlike many, his success determined he returned hom
Champion Hong Kong apprentice Matthew Chadwick has notched another milestone, outriding his allowance in record time.
The 19-year-old notched his 70th winner at Sha Tin on Sunday, little more than 12 months after he started riding in Hong Kong.
Howard Cheng Yue-tin took two years to ride his 55th winner and set the then record for graduation from the juniors in April 2001.
Like many Hong Kong apprentices, Chadwick began his career in Australia but unlike many, his success determined he returned home sooner than expected.
He was licensed in Hong Kong on December 20 2008 and racked up 43 winners by season's end.
His time in Australia was spent with Maryann Thexton at the Gold Coast and Brett Bellamy at Coffs Harbour where he made an immediate impact.
The first meeting he rode at after joining Bellamy produced four winners on the Lismore program.
Bellamy said he knew Chadwick would be a star.
"Right from the word go you could tell there was something special about him," Bellamy said.
"Is he a natural? Yes. But in saying that he knew what he wanted and he worked hard to get it.
"While other kids would be sleeping in the afternoon he would be on the computer studying the form."
Chadwick's Hong Kong apprenticeship was with former champion rider Tony Cruz who said he would continue to use the rider whenever possible.