In-form Melbourne-based jockey Michael Dee has been rewarded for his exceptional season with a short-term contract to ride in Hong Kong.

Dee has been granted a licence to ride in the Asian mecca from May 22 to July 9, both dates inclusive.

Starting his career in New Zealand, Dee moved to Melbourne in 2015 to continue his apprenticeship with Mick Price and the 2022-23 season has been a breakout one for the 27-year-old jockey.

Dee has claimed five Group 1 victories this season, including the Caulfield Cup, the Victoria Derby and the Australian Guineas and currently sits fourth on the Victorian Metropolitan Jockeys’ Premiership with 32 wins for the season.

He will head to Hong Kong after he has four rides at Sandown on Sunday, but before that will look to add to his Group 1 tally when he partners Royal Merchant for Ciaron Maher and David Eustace in The Goodwood (1200m) at Morphettville.

Dee has already been granted leave by the Hong Kong Jockey Club to return to Brisbane on June 10 to partner the Maher and Eustace-trained Ruthless Dame in the Group 1 Stradbroke Handicap (1400m) at Eagle Farm, a pre-existing booking.