Hoop plans to leave troubles behind

Perth Turf Talk | Fri 2 September, 2011

story by Jay Rooney from The West Australian

Marco Chui is working feverishly hard to salvage his career in the saddle.

Chui has moved to Perth after being banned from riding in Hong Kong, where he was leading apprentice in the 2007-08 season.

The 25-year-old was refused a licence to ride in Hong Kong in January when returning from a 12-month disqualification for testing positive to ketamine.

He also had a six-month disqualification for the same offence in 2009.

Chui struggled when he entered the senior jockey ranks in 2008 because of a series of careless riding suspensions.

As passionate as ever about riding, he completed drug counselling and tests before applying for a licence in WA.

Chui chose Perth after a recommendation from friend Thomas Yeung, who quit riding in Hong Kong two years ago to study business at Curtin University.

"I'm very much looking forward to riding here," Chui said. "My good friend (Yeung) suggested it was a good place to come.

"I love riding and I want to do it even better. I'm on a working visa for 12 months but I want to stay as long as I can."

Chui has been riding trackwork for trainers such as Shane Edwards, Brendan Fitzgerald and Russell Stewart.

He has ridden in 14 trials over the last two weeks and is likely to make his WA debut next week.

Chui has enlisted former jockey John Claite as his racing manager.

Claite has been impressed with the hoop's work ethic.

"He's got a good attitude and is keen to ride as much work as possible," Claite said. "He's pretty keen to stay here longer than 12 months."

Chui already has had some success riding in Australia.

As part of the Hong Kong Jockey Club's program to give apprentices experience, Chui scored 11 winners when indentured to Coffs Harbour trainer Trevor Hardy in 2005.