Australian jockey Regan Bayliss has announced he will move back to Melbourne once his Hong Kong licence expires on December 31.
The 22-year-old confirmed the news on Tuesday afternoon, deciding not to seek an extension to his stint at Sha Tin.
Regan Bayliss fit and ready to fire ahead of new Hong Kong racing season
“I’ve decided to return to Melbourne when my contract comes to an end on December 31,” Bayliss tweeted. “I’d like to thank [the Hong Kong Jockey Club] for the opportunities over the course of my stint, it’s been great. I’ll have a short break & return to race riding early [January].”
I’ve decided to return to Melbourne when my contract comes to an end on the 31st December. I’d like to thank @HKJC_Racing for the opportunities over the course of my stint, it’s been great.
— REGAN BAYLISS (@Reganbayliss) December 10, 2019
I’ll have a short break & return to race riding early Jan, all rides contact @guestyracing
Bayliss has two wins and seven placings from 81 rides so far this season, in addition to the four victories he secured last term after arriving in February.
He joins Umberto Rispoli in announcing his departure from the Hong Kong jockey ranks this week, after the Italian confirmed he is moving to the USA and will ride at Santa Anita.
Umberto Rispoli to depart Hong Kong riding ranks
There has been somewhat of an exodus of expat jockey recently, with South African Aldo Domeyer returning to his homeland in October.
