Alexis Pouchin admits he was pleasantly surprised to pick up five rides for his Hong Kong debut as he prepares to add to his booming reputation from his home country.

Considered a rising star of French racing, the 24-year-old will be in action at Sha Tin on Sunday after the Jockey Club granted him a licence until January 31.

“I was not expecting five, but I’m happy that trainers have given me confidence because it’s very hard to get the confidence when you don’t know anyone,” Pouchin said via his translator.

Hailing from a strong racing background, Pouchin grew up living in the Chantilly stables of France’s greatest trainer Andre Fabre, where his father Joel works as travelling head lad.

After starting his apprenticeship with trainer Yohann Gouraud, Pouchin landed his first winner in 2016 and quickly outrode his allowance, while also switching to Fabre’s yard.

His reputation has soared in the past two years, notching 10 Group One triumphs including five on Fabre’s star mare Mqse De Sevigne. His latest win at the elite level was on Vertical Blue in the Prix Marcel Boussac (1,600m) on October 6.

“My father lived in the stable, so I grew up in the stable – in the boxes with the horses,” Pouchin said.

“It wasn’t a passion or an aim to become a jockey but after years it became better and better, and then it was totally normal in my head to become a jockey.

“I didn’t expect to win three Group One races last year and then this year to win six Group Ones.

“I wanted to aim for one or two this year, which would be nice, but I won six, including with Mqse De Sevigne, and it was amazing. The best conclusion of the year is to come to Hong Kong.”

Pouchin sought advice from his former boss Fabre and countryman Gerald Mosse, one of Hong Kong’s most successful riders, ahead of his short-term stint in the city.

Fabre convinced the young gun, who joins fellow Frenchmen Antoine Hamelin and Alexis Badel on the Hong Kong roster, to take up the Jockey Club’s offer over a stint in Japan.

“I had two propositions,” Pouchin said. “The first was to go to Japan and the second to Hong Kong. My boss, Mr Fabre, really likes Hong Kong and didn’t give me a choice.

“He said ‘go to Hong Kong, they have top-class tracks, both tracks are good and they are a different style’. It was my the first choice for my boss, then it was my first choice.

“I spoke with Gerald Mosse last week and Gerald gave me some tips about the track. I spoke with Mickael Barzalona about the track and the best way to ride.”

Pouchin arrived in Hong Kong on Wednesday and rode at Sha Tin trackwork and trials on Friday morning.

He has been booked to ride Yoda’s Choice for premiership-leading trainer Pierre Ng Pang-chi, as well as Panda, Double Show, Parterre and Devildom on Sunday.

While he has the option of extending his stay into February, Pouchin expects his short stint to be the first of potentially many in the city.

“It’s nice because there are no big races in February in France, so if there is support and if I win some races then I can stay longer,” he said.

“It depends if I have support and the results, but it won’t be the last time I am in Hong Kong, for sure.”