Yuen took only two rides to open her winning account in Hong Kong with a brilliant tactical ride on Dennis Yip’s PI Legend (125lb) in the second section of Class 4 Ma Tau Wai Handicap (1200m).

Adding to the 77 wins she accrued overseas – 61 in Australia, 10 in New Zealand and seven in South Africa – as part of her training for riding in Hong Kong, Yuen allowed PI Legend to balance from barrier 12 before taking a lead he would never relinquish, clocking 1m 08.68s.

“It’s very unbelievable. I’m really grateful to have the opportunity from Mr Yip and being able to ride comfortably and confidently,” Yuen, 25, said of the victory. “I’m very excited. I can’t believe that at my first meeting here in Hong Kong, I’ve got a win straight away.

“I’m very happy to have the opportunities – and for Mr Yip, of course. Thank you so much to The Hong Kong Jockey Club Apprentice School, Miss Amy Chan and Mr Felix Coetzee – they’ve really taught me a lot and I’m very grateful.

“I did a lot of homework, and I have lots of experience overseas, so I think I learned a lot there. It’s really helpful for me to step on this bigger stage, it’s good for me as well.”

Having finished fourth on Double Bingo (117lb) behind Viva Chaleur in her debut ride in the opening race on the card, the Class 5 Shek Kip Mei Handicap (1200m), Yuen was undeterred by PI Legend’s wide draw three races later.

“It was a tricky gate today and my horse (PI Legend) is an on-pace horse, but I could see that there were two on-pace horses on my inside, so I actually had to watch them as well,” she said.

“But the horse gave me a very good feeling after the jump. He gave me a very good momentum to kind of just slide in front and just keep on pushing. So, the horse helped me and helped himself as well. We both saved our energy by getting to the front and getting a nice tempo and he got his breather so he could give a very nice kick in the end.”

Triumphant by a length and a quarter over Speedy Smartie (133lb) and Flowing Riches (125lb), Yuen glanced at the infield screen for confirmation of the win as PI Legend surged clear.

“I looked at the screen, and I was pretty sure I had won the race. I’ve been waiting for this for quite a while, so it’s been very emotional,” she said.

Yip said: “Last time he (PI Legend) ran well in a Class 3, but it was a very strong race and probably Class 2 standard, so dropping in grade with Nichola’s 10-pound claim, I hoped it would be easy. She followed all my instructions perfectly – she’ll be a good jockey in time.”

Wong, who was injured in a barrier mishap in November, said: “Obviously, I came back from injury and it’s good to get the ball rolling after a big break. I’m very grateful to have my first ride for Tony and I’m very happy to get my first winner for him.

“It’s a very memorable day for me and hopefully we can get back to a strong run again.”

Photo: HKJC