CAP FERRAT delivered a stunning performance to claim his first-ever victory in the prestigious HK$26 million BMW Hong Kong Derby (2000m) at Sha Tin on Sunday, March 23. Expertly ridden by Craig Williams, the Snitzel gelding showcased an impeccable rail-hugging strategy, holding off MY WISH and PACKING ANGEL in a dramatic finish.
Trained by Francis Lui, Cap Ferrat had been winless in 13 Australian starts before moving to Hong Kong, where he struggled in his first three outings. However, a brilliant ride by Williams ensured his breakthrough moment, crossing the finish line in 2m 00.67s and securing Lui’s second Derby title after his 2020 triumph with Golden Sixty.
Despite a wide draw in gate 14, My Wish, under Luke Ferraris, delivered an incredible late surge, clocking a race-best 21.39s for the final 400m, but fell just short. Packing Angel, ridden by Joao Moreira, finished a close third, while LO RIDER, RUBYLOT, JOHANNES BRAHMS and BUNDLE AWARD all finished within two lengths of the winner.
Williams, 47, credited Lui and his team for Cap Ferrat’s turnaround, admitting that when he first rode the horse three weeks prior, he wasn’t race-ready. “Full credit to Francis Lui and his team for the transformation. He was a different horse today, and that’s why Francis is such a great trainer,” Williams said.
Lui, Hong Kong’s reigning champion trainer, dominated the race day with a treble, securing additional wins with Packing Hermod and Invincible Shield. Packing Hermod set a course record of 1m 19.92s in the Class 2 Rapper Dragon Handicap (1400m), while Invincible Shield triumphed in the Class 3 Werther Handicap (1200m) under Ryan Moore.
Cap Ferrat was formerly trained by Chris Waller in Australia, where he twice placed in Group 1 races behind Tom Kitten and Riff Rocket. Sent off at 25/1 odds, he was largely overlooked due to his underwhelming Hong Kong debut performances. However, Williams’ decision to keep him close to the rail proved decisive in the Derby.
Reflecting on the victory, Williams said, “Winning this race is incredibly special, especially with my wife here. Francis called me while at the Sydney sales and asked me to ride Cap Ferrat. I had ridden him in Australia and knew his potential. This win means a lot to me.”
Williams, whose extensive career includes top-level victories across Australia, Japan, Great Britain, Ireland, Malaysia, and Singapore, extended his Hong Kong tally to 126 wins. His past stints in Hong Kong between 2003-2005 and 2018/19 have shaped him into one of the world’s most respected jockeys.
Hong Kong racing continues on Wednesday night (March 26) at Sha Tin, with more thrilling action anticipated.
