The racing community, both local and overseas, has begun a groundswell of support towards Michael Clements’ apprentice jockey Chew Yong Yuan following the recent news of his battle with throat cancer.
The Malaysian 25-year-old has been honing his craft in New Zealand since 2017, and was due to return to Singapore in August, but has been unable to do so after he received the harrowing diagnosis in April.
A charity golf day is being held in New Zealand on October 15 through the Go Racing Syndicators and the Salvation Army (Racetrack Support), with a series of racing memorabilia and various other items like air-tickets and vintage wine being put up for auction. Singapore Turf Club starter and former riding master Damien Kinninmont has done his part by chipping in a pair of breeches signed by Joao Moreira and Zac Purton.
Obviously personally touched by this drama more than anyone else at Kranji, Clements is also rallying the maximum of people to this cause, appealing to their generosity and solidarity, mostly to lend moral support.
"Chew, as we all know him, has been licensed to ride in races over a year in New Zealand and was doing well, having already ridden five winners and many placings (in 83 rides)," said the Singapore champion trainer.
"Under the STAR (Singapore Training Academy for Racing) programme, he was sent to North Island (Cambridge) in 2017 with trainer Frank Ritchie, and two years later he went down to South Island (Christchurch) to be indentured to trainer Lance Robinson.
"He was due to return to Singapore in August and ride as my apprentice jockey, but everything was waylaid as, obviously, he couldn't travel anymore as he's not well. His family from Malaysia can't visit him either because of the COVID-19 travel restrictions.
"But the good news is he's been well supported by the New Zealand health system even though he is on a working visa.
"He also lives with his trainer (Robinson) who has been a wonderful caregiver in these difficult times, not to mention the New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing, the Salvation Army and the tight-knit New Zealand racing community at large who have really got behind him.
"So, his medical bills are being well taken care of, but there is a charity golf day in Christchurch that will help create more awareness of Chew's condition, though any funds would be more than welcome.
"Damien, who knows him as he was his riding master during his time here, has sent a pair of breeches that was signed by Joao Moreira and Zac Purton. I hope more people can come forward and donate in kind or in cash, it's up to them."
Should you want to help, click here for the link to the Yong Chew Cancer Fundraiser. For those not in attendance, they can still support through live bidding.
You can also go to the following link for more details.
Go Racing raise funds for jockey battling cancer (loveracing.nz)
Originally from Penang, Chew first tried his hand at track riding with trainer Desmond Koh when he first moved South to Kranji before he joined Clements shortly after.
Many local racegoers would have noticed the name YY Chew among the list of licensees since 2019, but would have wondered who he was or his whereabouts given he had never been featured on a racecard in Singapore.
On the other hand, he was starting to make a name for himself in New Zealand, especially after he booted home his first winner Dr Velocious in a 2000m race at Riccarton Park on August 15, 2020. He even went on to claim the Canterbury Jockey Club Most Promising Junior Apprentice prize.
Clements for one had no doubt the young man was destined for a bright future, with his likeability an extra asset.
"Chew was very helpful as a track rider, had great work ethic and was a very determined guy. He always wanted to spend more time overseas to better himself," said the Zimbabwean-born handler.
"He is a really likeable guy, and is a really positive-minded person. I have no doubt that is what is keeping him strong now."
