Andrea Atzeni set to quit Britain for fresh challenge in money-spinning move
Classic-winning jockey Andrea Atzeni is moving to Hong Kong to seek fresh opportunities but not before trying to land one more Group 1 victory in the Goodwood Cup.
He has been granted a licence for eight months by the Hong Kong Jockey Club and will join the lucrative circuit after the completion of the York Ebor meeting in August
Atzeni, 32, has ridden nearly 1,200 winners in Britain , 131 Group and Listed winners, which have earned £27 million in prize-money but since the ending of his association with Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum opportunities in the top races have been reduced.
“I am going to be riding here for another month and will be here until the York Ebor meeting and will fly out the following day to get ready for the start of the season on September 10,” he said.
“It’s an opportunity that came along at the right time. It hasn’t been any easy decision but I came to the conclusion that I am at the stage of my career where Hong Kong could be the next step.
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“England isn’t getting any easier. I am 32 now and I am going to move and try my luck in Hong Kong. I have a six month contract and I hope to do well enough to be able to extend it.”
Atzeni, born in Sardinia, has enjoyed top level success all over Europe including in the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes and Juddmonte International on Postponed, two St Legers on Kingston Hill and Simple Verse and the Irish Champion Stakes on Decorated Knight.
Andrea Atzeni, pictured riding Stradivarius (Getty)He has won the Goodwood Cup twice on Stradivarius and has a leading chance of adding a third on Yorkshire Cup winner Giavellotto, trained by Marco Botti who he joined when he first came to England.
“I think he has a very good chance,” he said. “It looks like it’s going to be a very good race. Giavellotto is flying at the moment and couldn’t be in better shape going into the race. I just hope he’s good enough.
“The form of the Yorkshire Cup didn’t really work out but that doesn’t mean he won’t have a chance. The track will suit him, he goes pretty much on any ground and his homework has been fantastic.
“I won the race on Stradivarius twice so it’s been a lucky race for me.”
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