Former Hong Kong jockey Tye Angland is back where he belongs and has his sights set on another Hawkesbury riding premiership when the new season starts next week.
Angland recently returned home from a successful four-year stint in Hong Kong, where he battled it out with the best riders in the world including Zac Purton, Joao Moreira and Douglas Whyte.
“It wasn’t a tough decision because we were looking at coming back,” Angland told the Gazette.
“I had a bit of luck early in Australia with two group 1s and then I was approached by the Hong Kong Jockey Club.
“I thought I’d done my time and was missing home a little bit.”
And now he’s back in the Hawkesbury – the place where it all started as a 15-year-old apprentice for trainer Garry Frazer.
“I like the living out here, coming from a country town in Wagga, I don’t really like the city life. It’s good to live out here and get away from it. I’ll stay out this way for sure,” Angland said.
“I’m enjoying my time riding back here. I did miss Australian racing and I’m glad I’m back.”
A lot has changed at Hawkesbury since Angland left Australian shores four seasons ago, and the world-class rider welcomed the new changes at the club, which will soon include a multi-million dollar training track.
“It’s good to see a bit of change and the track’s riding well. It’s a little bit different to get used to the longer straight but it’s definitely a good thing for the club,” he said.
“They’re definitely improving their facilities.”
Despite the riches and prestige available in Hong Kong the 24-year-old said he was back in the Hawkesbury permanently and wouldn’t be lured back to the racing Mecca anytime soon.
“I’m back for good, long term,” he said.
“I would like to go to Hong Kong for some of the bigger races but I don’t see myself doing anymore contracts over there for quite a while.”
After bursting on the scene as a teenager at Farzer’s stable and winning the jockey premiership as an apprentice he added a further two titles to his name before exiting for Asia.
But Angland already had his sights set on improving his record at the Hawkesbury Race Club when the next season starts on August 1.
“It’s always good to win the premiership,” he said.
“I won the Dark Jewel the first time it was ever run on November Flight and I’ve improved my riding, so hopefully I can snatch a couple of cups or the Hawkesbury Guineas.”
