Journalists Wandering Eyes Posted 6 hours ago Journalists Share Posted 6 hours ago My Wish gives Luke Ferraris his most important Hong Kong win. Photo: HKJC Bristling with emotion, Luke Ferraris has jubilated in My Wish’s Hong Kong Classic Mile (1600m) triumph for trainer Mark Newnham at Sha Tin on Friday, prompting the young South African to reflect on Sweet Orange’s success in the same race in 2012. Trained by Ferraris’ father David, Sweet Orange’s victory 13 seasons ago remains one of Ferraris’ most vivid memories from his childhood in Hong Kong. Now 23, Ferraris joined his father – who saddled 461 winners in Hong Kong and trained champion Vengeance Of Rain – on the Hong Kong Classic Mile honour board with a perfectly judged ride to fend off Francis Lui-trained pair Divano (Blake Shinn) and Parking Hermod (Zac Purton) in 1:33.98. Jumping away cleanly from barrier eight, Ferraris settled the Flying Artie gelding in fourth place, one off the fence and, approaching the home turn, angled into clear running before staving off a charging Divano, who rocketed from last on the turn in a race-best sectional of 21.98s. 2025 Hong Kong Classic Mile Replay – My Wish https://horsebetting.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Sha-Tin-2025-Hong-Kong-Classic-Mile-31012025-My-Wish-Mark-Newnham-Luke-Ferraris.mp4 Reflecting on Sweet Orange’s victory under Weichong Marwing, Ferraris said: “I remember it like it was yesterday. Weichong was three-deep without cover the whole way, loomed up on the bend and fought off Fay Fay at the furlong (200m). “There were a few flashbacks which entered my mind today when he (My Wish) had to get game at the furlong and he did. He is 990 pounds of pure heart and he hasn’t been the easiest customer, so big credit to Mark and his team. It really shows the calibre of trainer he is. He improved with each and every run and it’s good to get one on the board. “Tonight, when I sit down it will kick in when I get the messages from my family. Watching this race as a child and now this – it’s surreal. I’m pretty grateful to Mark and his team.” With his fourth win from eight starts, My Wish gave Ferraris and Newnham their most important success in Hong Kong and the first leg of the HK$52 million Four-Year-Old Classic Series, which continues with the HK$13 million Hong Kong Classic Cup (1800m) on March 2 and the HK$26 million Hong Kong Derby (2000) on March 23. Newnham was elated to have overcome My Wish’s appetite and temperament issues as the smallest horse in the field held sway. “His appetite’s improved, so as he’s raced on through the season, he’s toughened up a little bit. We all know he’s only a small horse, but gee he’s got a big heart,” Newnham said. “The horse is very game, Luke’s done a great job with him and my team at home has done a super job because when he first arrived, he was a high-energy horse and wasn’t easy to handle. “He has been troublesome at times, but today he paraded better than he ever has, he went to the start nice and settled and once he got into that position, it was just a matter of whether he was going to be good enough or not. “The way he raced today and the position he put himself in and the way he settled, I think he’ll give himself every chance (over 1800m). If he learns to settle and conserve his energy, he’s going to be hard to beat. It’s pretty special.” Horse racing news View the full article Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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