Cap Ferrat Claims Victory in the Hong Kong Derby

The four-year-old gelding born Cat Ferrat, of a strong pedigree has finally snagged his first career victory when winning none other than the Hong Kong Derby (2000m) staged at Sha Tin on Sunday. He is a close relation to the three-time winner of the Melbourne Cup Makybe Diva and has credits above and beyond a rather respected racing lineage.

Affording Jockey Craig Williams, Cap Ferrat, and Jason Dunstall juggled a tough race, finishing moments before My Wish, a son of Flying Artie, and Packing Angel from Shocking. The result marked a turning point in Cap Ferrat’s career after a series of challenges in both Australia and Hong Kong.

Bred by Arrowfield Stud, Cap Ferrat is by champion sire Snitzel out of C’Est Beau La Vie. That earned him an irresistibly appealing shot at the 2021 Inglis Easter Yearling Sale, where he was auctioned to Coolmore’s Tom Magnier and a few others for $1.4 million.

Cap Ferrat was initially trained by Chris Waller in Australia and made a good start with commendable performances, including a third in the Group II Gloaming Stakes and second in the Group I Spring Champion Stakes. Despite these efforts, he remained winless in 16 Australian starts before being sent to horse racing in Hong Kong.

He has been heard of as having arrived in Hong Kong to finish twelfth in the Hong Kong Classic Mile and ninth in the Hong Kong Classic Cup, thereby raising queries about his ability to perform at elite levels. His action in horse racing in Hong Kong remains inconsistent, with most doubting him to win. Yet, the competition is so keen in horse racing in Hong Kong that every race is like a redemption race. Everyone now awaits to see if he makes a comeback for his next challenge and thus works his way back into horse racing in Hong Kong.

His interactions with the personnel were disappointing. Given a favorable draw from barrier two, he stayed well-positioned throughout the race. Competing in the Hong Kong Derby, he maintained a strong pace under Craig Williams’ guidance. Timing his run effectively, he launched a late dart to fend off strong competition and chase home the win. The Hong Kong Derby proved to be a true test of his endurance and strategy.

The legacy of Snitzel, sire of this distinction, is further ascribed to the winning of another renown in its making of high-level performers. Recently, another of Snitzel’s progeny, Marhoona, captured the Golden Slipper and drove home the stallion’s mark on the racing scene.

Cap Ferrat was in very good form for its run due to the efforts of trainer Francis Lui, and jockey Craig Williams further commented on the progress the gelding has made ever since it arrived in Hong Kong. The win positions Cap Ferrat as a contender for future races in the region.

With this achievement, attention now turns to Cap Ferrat’s full brother, who will be offered at the upcoming Inglis Easter Yearling Sale as Lot 312 by Arrowfield Stud. Given the latest result, strong interest is expected from buyers looking for racehorses with proven family records.

Cap Ferrat’s journey reflects the patience and planning required in horse racing. His breakthrough in the Hong Kong Derby signals a new chapter in his career, and there is growing anticipation for what lies ahead.