Watch: What a way to break your maiden! Outsider prevails in dramatic finish to Hong Kong Derby

Cap Ferrat broke his maiden status in Hong Kong's premier domestic contest on Sunday when fending off the fast-finishing My Wish by a short head under Australian jockey Craig Williams.

My Wish was last of the BMW Hong Kong Derby field at the top of the Sha Tin straight in a race run at a crawl, but showed an electric turn of pace under Luke Ferraris to force a photo finish with 26-1 shot Cap Ferrat.

Despite a valiant effort from the runner-up, it was not enough as Cap Ferrat, who mounted his challenge against the inside rail, held on to provide trainer Francis Lui with his second win in the race following Hong Kong superstar Golden Sixty's success in 2020.

Williams hailed the remarkable turnaround from three weeks ago when Cap Ferrat finished down the field in the Hong Kong Classic Cup, which was won by Rubylot, who was sent off favourite in the Derby but finished only fifth.

"He's never won a race ever until today and full credit has to go to Francis Lui and his team," said Williams. "I rode him three weeks ago and told them they had a lot of work to do as I thought he was really gross and full of himself.

"It was a big step to take and I thought he could place well, but the way he was presented here is the reason why we've won one of Hong Kong's greatest races."

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Williams has won some of the biggest races in the world and was thrilled to add this prestigious contest to his haul.

"I was very fortunate to get contracts in Hong Kong and it made me the rider and person I am today," he said. "It's lovely to win the race for Francis Lui as he was a big supporter of mine going back 20 years ago. The winning feeling doesn't get any sweeter."      

Ryan Moore, who won the opening 7f handicap on Super Express, rode Royal Ascot winner Mickley but finished unplaced, while Andrea Atzeni and William Buick were also out of the frame on their rides. 

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