Hong Kong Jockey Gets a Leg Up at Woodbine

Jockey Alex Lai, Hong Kong’s leading apprentice rider in 2003-04, will make his Canadian riding debut, Sunday at Woodbine.

A lifetime winner of 154 races, Lai, who began riding professionally in 2000, will ride Grey Boundary for trainer Tino Attard in Sunday’s seventh race, a 1 ¼-mile race contested on the E.P. Taylor Turf Course. “I am looking forward to not only riding at a world-class racetrack, but to also experience the great people and the Chinese community of the city,” said Lai, who has also worked horses for Hall of Fame trainer Roger Attfield since arriving at Woodbine this week. “I have heard great things about Woodbine and it has certainly lived up to its strong reputation.

“Everyone, including the horsemen, has treated me very well. I am looking forward to riding in my very first race in Canada.”

Lai, who rode briefly in Ireland in 2003, has also ridden races in Australia. In 2009-10, Lai, who was born on October 29, 1983, won the Grade 3 Queen Mother Memorial Cup and the Grade 2 Sprint Cup.

First post for Sunday’s card of racing is 1:00 p.m.

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