Fifteen years after an awestruck Vincent Ho Chak-yiu delivered water and towels to his idols on Longines International Jockeys’ Championship night, the superstar 33-year-old became the first home-grown Hong Kong rider to win the prestigious competition at Happy Valley on Wednesday.

Ahead of his first IJC appearance in 2014, Ho reflected on that 2008 night when – as a jockeys’ room assistant – he drummed up the courage to ask Christophe Soumillon for an autograph.

Now, the superstar local jockey has an IJC crown to add to what has become a glittering CV headlined by his exploits with Golden Sixty.

“I still remember it, of course. They’re still my idols – Christophe, Ryan [Moore], Frankie [Dettori]. They are always my idols, even now,” Ho said after edging Zac Purton to claim his first IJC.

“It’s good to have a home-grown jockey win it, of course, to inspire more young upcoming jockeys and also all sportspeople. Thanks to the club for all its support of the young kids. I’m very grateful that I can do it. I’m happy.

“I was lucky to have good horses with good draws. That helps, for sure. It’s just a privilege to join all the top jockeys here and race against them.”

Ho’s maiden IJC victory comes after a pair of third placings, and he hopes it is only the beginning of a big week ahead of his ride aboard Golden Sixty in Sunday’s Group One Hong Kong Mile.

“I’m looking forward to the week. I’ve prepared myself well, so let’s see,” Ho said.

Sitting fifth heading into the fourth and final leg, Ho produced a victory aboard the David Hayes-trained Tomodachi Kokoroe to leapfrog Lyle Hewitson, Rachel King, Moore and Purton to move to 20 points overall and secure a success that took some time to sink in.

“Oh, I won it? OK. Good. Of course, I’m happy. I didn’t know about the score,” said a surprised Ho when Jockey Club presenter Nicholas Child informed him of his feat.

“It was a good to have a winner. Thanks to Mr Hayes for his efforts, the horse changed leg today, and he responded very well.”

Ho had earlier set himself up for a shot at victory with third placings in the opening two legs, banking points aboard Ricky Yiu Poon-fai-trained pair Diamond Soars and Sure Joyful.

Purton made a late push for glory after snaring the third leg aboard Silver Sonic for Francis Lui Kin-wai, but he could only manage third aboard Caspar Fownes-trained Kaholo Angel in the last leg and had to settle for second on 18 points.

Rachel King’s opening-leg victory aboard David Hall’s Oversubscribed saw her bank a winner with her first-ever Hong Kong ride. She finished in third place on 16 points, edging Lyle Hewitson on countback after the South African also rung up 16 points.

Ho pocketed HK$600,000 for his efforts, while Purton walked away with HK$250,000 and King HK$150,000.

Moore took out the other IJC race, delivering aboard M Unicorn for Fownes in the second leg.

That success provided an early platform for “King of the Valley” Fownes to make a push for the trainers’ bonus, and Kaholo Angel’s last-leg second ensured he left the city circuit HK$300,000 better off.