Vincent Ho Chakyiu, one of Hong Kong’s most prominent jockeys, was recently recognized as one of the city’s Ten Outstanding Young Persons, marking a significant milestone in a career defined by resilience and dedication. At 36, Ho continues to pursue his goal of joining the ranks of the world’s elite riders, despite facing numerous physical setbacks and personal challenges.

Ho’s journey began at age 13, after his father discovered a posting for the Pokfulam Public Riding School. Growing up in a largely urban environment, Ho found solace and passion in working with horses, an interest nurtured by his parents' encouragement to explore different pursuits. His aptitude and determination later earned him acceptance into The Hong Kong Jockey Club’s (HKJC) Apprentice Jockeys’ School, where he emerged from a highly competitive selection process that narrowed more than 1,000 candidates down to about a dozen.

Before competing in Hong Kong, Ho completed a rigorous apprenticeship overseas, initially in Australia and later in Matamata, New Zealand. There, he endured harsh conditions including winter temperatures dropping to minus six degrees Celsius and grueling riding schedules that sometimes involved mounting nearly 40 horses in a single day. This challenging period, which Ho describes as "fun and essential," helped shape the foundation for his success upon returning home.

Back in Hong Kong, Ho quickly demonstrated his skills, claiming the title of Hong Kong Champion Apprentice in the 2010-11 season with 39 wins. However, it was his partnership with the horse Golden Sixty that significantly elevated his profile. Between 2019 and 2024, Ho secured 26 victories from 31 rides on Golden Sixty, including 10 Group One wins. He credits the horse’s courage and responsiveness as key to their achievements.

Ho’s career has not been without adversity. Between mid-2022 and early 2024, he suffered several serious falls resulting in multiple injuries, including vertebrae fractures, whiplash, pneumothorax, and a brain bleed that placed him in intensive care for four days. Despite these setbacks, Ho remained committed to returning to racing, relying on the support of HKJC’s medical teams and undergoing rehabilitation with specialists, including those from the Swiss Olympic Medical Centre.

To overcome the physical and psychological impact of his injuries, Ho sought help from a sports psychologist to manage fear and anxiety, emphasizing that such support is a tool for enhancing performance rather than a sign of illness. He also developed personal coping strategies, such as spending time in nature and practicing grounding meditation, to balance the demands of his high-pressure profession.

In confronting online criticism, Ho has adopted a pragmatic stance. He dismisses negative comments from those unfamiliar with the sport, comparing it to unsolicited advice given to soccer icons. He also consciously limits his exposure to public spaces to maintain privacy, highlighting the challenges faced by public figures in sports.

Throughout his career, Ho has adhered to a disciplined lifestyle, avoiding partying and limiting alcohol consumption to focus fully on his ambitions. His recent accolades reflect not only his professional achievements but also his commitment to giving back and inspiring future generations in Hong Kong’s racing community.