It has been a season of near misses for Richard Kingscote so far, but the British jockey hopes that reuniting with a familiar face can finally get him over the line and in the winners’ enclosure at Sha Tin on Thursday.

A four-time winner in a short stint in Hong Kong last season, Kingscote has not enjoyed the rub of the green this campaign, going winless in 72 rides.

It has not been for a lack of trying, however, with the 39-year-old placing in the top three on 11 occasions and finishing fourth a further eight times.

Kingscote came alive in spectacular fashion last season when going three from three on an all-dirt Sha Tin card and the horse he struck on first, Chill Kaka, could be the one to break the door down for him this term in the Class Three Pyramid Hill Handicap (1,650m).

He went back to back on his next start when ridden by Zac Purton and Kingscote is hoping after a low-key return, he can bounce back to his best on just his 10th start.

“Zac won on him after I left and rode him on return. It’s really nice of Ricky [Yiu Poon-fai] to let me back on him,” said Kingscote. “Mr Energia was impressive last time, but he’s got a chunk of weight and hopefully my lad will improve for his first run.

“He’s got a tricky draw [in barrier eight] to deal with, but he won from out there for me last season so fingers crossed he’ll give me a good spin.”

It will be a busy evening for Kingscote, who rides in six of the eight races, and Giant Leap could be his next best chance in the Class Three Hebe Hill Handicap (1,200m).

Kingscote was on board for a winning spin at Happy Valley last season and has paired up with him twice this campaign, though he was not on board when he ran a good third on his return to the all-weather last time.

“He ran a really good race last time, obviously he’s off a career-high mark now but I was really pleased to see the way he ran,” said Kingscote. “It gives me a lot of encouragement going into the race.”

Although it has been a frustrating start to the campaign for Kingscote, he is far from dwelling on it and while he is cognisant of the fact that a winner is needed, he is happy with the progress he is making since moving to Hong Kong.

“I’ve been getting a nice bit of support from a few different yards which has been helpful. Yes, it’s been frustrating, but I don’t think I’ve done a great deal wrong on too many of them,” said Kingscote.

“A winner is now needed, for sure. It’s much more Australian style here which is tricky for us Europeans to get used to, but I think I’m getting better. It’s a new jurisdiction, new stewarding – I think I’m steadily getting there.

“I’ve been getting some nice rides on good horses too. I’m grateful to John Size for throwing me on Red Lion and I’m grateful to Danny Shum [Chap-shing] too, who has been putting me on a lot and has let me ride Moments In Time.”