Skip to Content

Poon Train's Last Stop Before Hong Kong

Matthew Poon, the man affectionately known as the ‘Poon Train’ is a lot more comfortable on the back of a racehorse than in front of a camera as he takes part in a photo shoot at the National Railway Museum in Port Adelaide. The photo shoot was setup as a part of a goodbye piece in 'The Advertiser' ahead of Poon’s last race day on Adelaide Cup Day this long weekend.  

It’s been a whirlwind 18 months for Poon who came over to SA as part of an apprentice program with the Hong Kong Jockey Club. Poon rode a winner in his first race ride on Sutanoc for John Dunn on Jamestown Cup Day back in October 2015 and has since rode 116 winners in his time in Australia.

Poon came to Australia not knowing a great deal of English but thanks to former Apprentice Academy Master John Murray, Poon’s transition to Australian life was made much easier. “John was a great support to me when I first got here, he’s a great teacher and has lots of experience. His wife (Angie) was also very helpful as she speaks Cantonese. She helped me a lot“ Poon says.

Matthew was riding winners on the country and provincial circuit but his popularity rose even more when he started riding in the city. He made his presence felt in his first metropolitan meeting, when he piloted first starter Chapel City to victory at huge odds of $101. Poon rates that as his favourite racing moment in Australia.   

The man who has been working with Poon every day is leading Morphettville trainer, Richard Jolly who Poon has been indentured to during his time in Australia. “We are really going to miss him,” Jolly says. “He’s really part of the family he’s a great kid, a really good rider and an extremely likeable person. He’s grown a lot since he’s been with me, he’s dedicated, a hard worker and he deserves all the success back in Hong Kong.”

One of the horses from the Richard Jolly yard, ‘Our Exchange’ has been Matthew’s favourite horse during his time in Australia. “He’s (Our Exchange) definitely my favourite horse. I came third in the Balaklava Cup on him, I rode him in track work most mornings, we have a good bond. We have a relationship, he responds to me,” says Poon. And it was a great relationship. Poon rode Our Exchange 10 times for 3 wins and 4 placings.

Matthew Poon’s favourite thing about the Adelaide lifestyle was being close to Glenelg Beach. “I loved my free time down at Glenelg, you don’t get that in Hong Kong.”

One thing Poon won’t be missing is the Australian food. “Australian food is so boring, I can’t wait to get home to eat proper food!”

His goals when returning to Hong Kong is to be the best apprentice rider and to represent Hong Kong as an apprentice. Those goals seem very achievable, going on the form he has shown in Australia.

“I love the Australian people, they are just so friendly,” Poon says. “I never once felt homesick, I felt like I was part of a family here.”

Poon’s final box to tick in Adelaide is to get one more winner on UBET Adelaide Cup Day. “I hope I can win one more.” Poon says.

He has five chances to do so on Cup Day, with his last race ride looking likely to be ‘Optimize’ for his boss Richard Jolly. After winning his first race ride here, it would be a great story if he could ride a winner in his last ride as well!     

Post categories

Racing SA - Racing Racing SA - Latest News