He’s won some of the biggest races around the world but since getting his first taste of the BMW Hong Kong Derby (2,000m) 24 years ago, Craig Williams has desperately wanted to win the city’s most coveted feature.
On his 11th attempt, the star Australian jockey achieved that feat in a thrilling finish, lifting $26.7 chance Cap Ferrat to a remarkable maiden victory at Sha Tin on Sunday.
“It’s great riding all around the world. Hong Kong is a place where I was very fortunate to get a contract and it made me the rider and the person I am today,” Williams said.
“It’s lovely that I can come here with really nice horses [and] good friends that I have known for so many years in the crowd.
HISTORY AT SHA TIN! 👏👏@CWilliamsJockey wins the 148th @BMW Hong Kong Derby aboard Cap Ferrat for trainer Francis Lui over a fast-closing My Wish... #4YOSeries | #LoveRacing | #HKracing pic.twitter.com/OHHfz0JKlE
— HKJC Racing (@HKJC_Racing) March 23, 2025
“The winning feeling doesn’t get any sweeter, to win one of the greatest races here in Hong Kong. [Trainer] Francis Lui [Kin-wai] was a very big supporter of mine going way back 20 years ago, it’s very special.”
Williams maintained the faith in Cap Ferrat and Lui despite the son of Snitzel falling short of expectations in the lead up to the Derby.
The prolific Group One-winning jockey answered the call-up from Lui to ride Cap Ferrat in the Classic Cup (1,800m), but a wide draw in barrier 10 forced him to work hard in the early stages and took a toll late when he ran ninth behind Rubylot.
“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?’,” Williams said.
A jubilant Craig Williams returns to the winners’ enclosure on Cap Ferrat.
“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 was 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’s got to go to Francis Lui, his team and obviously the horse. It gives me a great thrill.”
Williams had Cap Ferrat perfectly placed from gate two, trailing pacesetter Lo Rider before taking a run on the inside rail to hit the front at the 150m.
Jockey Craig Williams with his wife Larysa and trainer Francis Lui (second from right).
He scrambled in by a short head from My Wish, capping a double for Williams after he booted home John Size’s Endeared in the Class Three Ambitious Dragon Handicap (1,400m).
This season marked Williams’ return to Hong Kong to ride for the first time since 2019. The now 47-year-old rode in the city full-time in 2003-04 and 2004-05, booting home 32 and 35 wins respectively.
His biggest Hong Kong victory was on Dunaden in the Group One Hong Kong Vase (2,400m) in 2011.
