Justin Ho – nearing the end of his 12-month SA stint – created history last week when he became the first Hong Kong local to chair an Australian race meeting.
Justin, who arrived in Adelaide in February 2020 to spend a year as a cadet steward, was in the hot seat for Friday’s meeting at Port Lincoln.
“It’s the pinnacle and the objective of having 12 months’ training here,” Justin said.
“It’s like a grand finale to end my stay in Australia.
“It was a new experience – being in the chair, making different decisions – but it’s one I was prepared for.”
Justin said chairing meetings in Australia was part of the Hong Kong Jockey Club-driven initiative.
“We were always working towards it, but due to COVID, we lost some non-TABs,” he said.
“Had they have gone ahead, I could’ve maybe chaired one or more of those, but I got an opportunity at the end of my stay and that’s all that matters.”
At Port Lincoln, Justin was flanked by experienced members of Racing SA's stewards’ panel.
“As chief steward of a meeting, you still perform the core functions of a being a steward, which is obviously to observe the races,” he said.
“But you also have to report on the races, like what happened at the start of a race and during a race.
“For example, you would report if a horse suffered interference, due to another horse shifting, and you might need to chair an inquiry into what happened, and whether it proceeds to a charge or not.”
In recent years the Hong Kong Jockey Club and Racing SA have engaged in a successful apprentice jockey training program, involving sending young Hong Kong apprentices to South Australia to develop their skills. Justin is the first cadet steward to tread the same path and is adamant the past 12 months have accelerated his professional development – and given him the time of his life.
“I think we’ll have to invent a new word to describe the experience – it’s been absolutely amazing,” he said.
“The opportunities and experiences have exposed me to a new level of understanding about the industry, and most importantly being here for 12 months I’ve had the chance to be part of panels that make decisions in inquiries. I see stewarding as a lifelong career and this has all been part of a training and development process to advance.
“Overall, this past year has exceeded my expectations from an enjoyment point of view, both at work and outside of work.
“I’ve made many friends here, and some have looked after me above and beyond what a colleague should do.
“Thanks to everyone, from chairman of stewards Johan Petzer to everyone else I’ve worked with.”
Mr Petzer described 32-year-old Justin as “a pleasure to have on board” and said he had “displayed all the characteristics of a good steward”.
“Justin is a reliable and focused individual, is professional in his dealings with colleagues and industry participants and stakeholders, and has a great passion for the thoroughbred racing industry,” Mr Petzer said.
“Justin is an individual with unquestionable integrity and he is a dedicated and very promising young steward who has the potential to exceed at the highest level.
“Justin has a very pleasant demeanour, is very positive in his outlook and has slotted in extremely well as a team member. We will miss his presence on the panel when he returns to Hong Kong.
“We all consider Justin a part of the team but we also call him our friend. We wish him all the very best on his return to Hong Kong and look forward to observing his progress and development in what is without doubt one of the most prestigious racing environments in the world.
“Justin is much admired by all at Racing SA and he will always be welcome back.”
While Justin has clearly relished his time in Australia, he is eager to return home, despite facing a daunting quarantine period after he flies out on in a few days.
“Yes, I have 21 days in hotel quarantine back home,” he said.
“It’s been a long time away, especially during COVID. I haven’t seen my partner, Heidi, since the 16th of February last year.
“Without COVID, family and friends would have come to visit me here in Australia.
“So, as much as I’ve enjoyed to be here, it’s time to go home and see everyone.”
Note: Justin has loved just about everything about living in Australia, including becoming a Port Power supporter and AFL spectator during 2020. He says the only downside was the “cold mornings” during the winter months.