Coolmore Sourced Hong Kong Derby Winners – Two in a Row
The Coolmore racing stables in both hemispheres consistently source and produce high class racing stock, but not all of the colts that begin their life in Coolmore ownership will go on to stand at stud and for many they are sold to continue their racing lives, bringing much success to their next owners.
Last year the Irish bred Massive Sovereign (4g No Nay Never x Sweet Charity, by Myboycharlie) won the rich $HK26million Hong Kong Derby for Dennis Yip after starting his career in Ireland with Aidan O’Brien, and this year the race was won by Cap Ferrat.
A $1.4million Inglis Easter purchase for Tom Magnier, Cap Ferrat (4g Snitzel x C’Est Beau La Vie, by Bernardini) started life in the Chris Waller stable and was Group I placed on multiple occasions, but ultimately was not going to follow in the footsteps of colts such as Home Affairs or Shinzo.
He was sold privately to Hong Kong and soared to new heights on Sunday under a brilliant ride from Craig Williams to win the Hong Kong Derby for Franci Lui.
“It’s certainly a special win. It’s such a prestigious race in Hong Kong. Francis rang me, he was at the Sydney yearling sales and I was on the Gold Coast and he said ‘Would you like to come ride Cap Ferrat?’” said Craig Williams.
“I rode him when he was in Australia and I liked the horse. He had good 10-furlong form, he had two runs in Hong Kong – one was really good and one not so good – and I said ‘I’d love to come over and ride him for you’.
“I rode him a few weeks ago and said ‘if you get him right, Francis, we know he’s got the right form and the capability’, but it’s clearly up to Francis and his stable. When he walked into the yard, the way he performed and he won, that’s why Francis is such a great trainer. Full credit has got to go to Francis Lui, his team and obviously the horse.”
Cap Ferrat was broken in and did all his early education with the Coolmore team and that solid education has provided the foundation of a highly successful racing career with more to come.