Champion jockey Dylan Browne McMonagle set for three-month Hong Kong stint

Champion jockey Dylan Browne McMonagle is in big race action this weekend to begin a three-month stint in Hong Kong.

The Letterkenny man rides Al Riffa in the grade 1 Longines Hong Kong Vase.

The Joseph O’Brien-trained Al Riffa is rated among the contenders in the money-spinning race, which sets Browne McMonagle off on his sojourn.

“I’m really looking forward to what is to come in the next couple of months,” Browne McMonagle, who received the flat award at the annual Horse Racing Ireland Awards 2025 in Dublin on Monday evening before jetting off.

“It will be a learning curve and a good experience but I’m looking forward to it.”

Browne McMonagle was crowned Champion Jockey this year in Ireland after claiming 95 winners.

He also took Willie Mullins’ 25/1 chance Ethical Diamond to a stunning win in the Longines Breeders Cup Turf at Del Mar in California. It’s just over six years ago since Browne McMonagle rode for the first time under rules, placing second on Harvey Specter at Gowran Park in September 2019.

Browne McMonagle was the Champion Apprentice in 2021 and 2022, but this year toppled reigning champion and six-time Champion Jockey Colin Keane to land the big title.

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Earlier this year, he partnered Al Riffa to win the Irish St Leger and he’ll be aboard the five-year-old again at the weekend.

The Donegal jockey said: “I can’t wait now. Hong Kong is a very tough place to get into. I’m very grateful for the opportunity to go. I have a good stint so I’ll get a good go at it.”