Orman pumped to start short-term contract at the Valley
by Jay Rooney on Tuesday, February 18, 2025 10:47 AM Australian jockey James Orman starts his Hong Kong stint on Wednesday night. Photo: HKJC
A trip to Hong Kong seven years ago sparked James Orman's ambition to ride in the city and the Australian jockey will fulfil that dream when he starts a short-term contract at Happy Valley on Wednesday night.
Orman was 21 when he and his now wife, Heidi, visited Hong Kong, with a trip to the races at Sha Tin and the Valley capturing his imagination.
'We just had a holiday there to see my brother-in-law and thought it was an amazing place,' Orman said.
'The racing was amazing. The crowds were much bigger than back home.' — RaceQ (@RaceQLD) September 22, 2024
A prolific winner in Queensland, including three consecutive Brisbane metropolitan premierships, Orman was given a golden opportunity when he was called on by the Jockey Club to help fill the void left by injured riders Zac Purton, Vincent Ho Chak-yiu and Angus Chung Yik-lai.
The 27-year-old has been licenced until April 2 along with Briton Richard Kingscote, who also makes his Hong Kong debut at the Valley on Wednesday night.
'This is the next step for me and it's something I've always wanted to tick off,' Orman said.
'I'm looking forward to it. I can't wait.'
Sensational effort guys !! James Orman & Mike Costa take a bow
They combined to win 5 of the 7 races at Jebel Ali last night in the UAE 🇦🇪 @JimmyOrman 6 rides-5 winners ✅ And he's not done with just yet
Rides at a Meydan meet this wk before coming home@mcosta_racing pic.twitter.com/5EM9UpvNR2 — STEVE HEWLETT 🏇🎣 🛥👩🦳📻🏃♂️ (@stevejoseph69) November 4, 2023
Despite falling short of Group One glory in his 12 years in the saddle, Orman has racked up more than 1,300 winners and been a constant force in the Australian premiership in recent seasons.
He has also tasted success overseas, including a stunning five-timer at Jebel Ali in 2023 in one of his two Dubai stints.
Orman joins a strong Hong Kong riding roster that includes a familiar face in Ben Thompson, who made the move from Queensland 12 months ago.
'I've been speaking to Ben and just trying to get in contact with the trainers and build some relationships,' said Orman, whose minimum riding weight is 122 pounds.
'Hopefully I can get some good rides and I just want to do as best as I can and have a good crack. I haven't really got any particular goals there – more so just get over there and do my best.'
Orman will make a low-key start to his Hong Kong venture with just one ride at the Valley – Magic Beans in the first section of the Class Four Kwai Chung Handicap (1,200m).
Trained by last season's premiership winner Francis Lui Kin-wai, Magic Beans heads to the city circuit after a well-beaten 11th behind Magnifique at Sha Tin on his race debut.
Kingscote also has just one Valley ride – Brave Joy also for Lui in the Class Four Tsuen Wan Handicap (1,000m).
The 38-year-old has won multiple Group Ones in Britain and Ireland and boasts international experience in Japan, Dubai, Australia, France, Bahrain and Turkey. His minimum riding weight is 121 pounds.
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