Showcasing his remarkable talent, Luke Ferraris reached the 100-win milestone in Hong Kong with a stunning double at Sha Tin’s all-dirt meeting on Wednesday night (December 18), capping off an outstanding season.

The 22-year-old jockey achieved this landmark by piloting Excellent Daddy to victory in the Class 5 Banyan Handicap (1200m) for trainer Benno Yung and steering Mojave Desert to success in the Class 4 Sha Tin Wai Handicap (1200m) for Mark Newnham, one of his strongest supporters.

Raised at Sha Tin as the son of former Hong Kong trainer David Ferraris, Luke returned to South Africa in 2017 to launch his riding career, winning two champion apprentice titles and amassing an impressive list of feature race victories before moving back to Hong Kong.

Reflecting on his milestone, Ferraris said, “It feels great. Growing up watching the racing here, then becoming part of it and now riding a century is an amazing feeling. A big thanks to Mark for his support.” Ferraris, one of the youngest jockeys to achieve this feat in Hong Kong, added, “Mark has backed me all season, so it’s very special to get my 100th win on one of his horses. I’m thrilled and hope the momentum continues.”

Since debuting in Hong Kong during the 2021/22 season, Ferraris has steadily built his career, enjoying his best campaign in 2022/23 with 35 wins.

Trainer Mark Newnham, who has benefited from Ferraris’s skill with nine of his 21 wins this season, expressed his admiration. “I’m happy to have provided his 100th win. Luke is a talented young jockey, easy to work with, and a great asset to the stable,” Newnham said. “He knows Mojave Desert well and executed the ride perfectly. It’s always satisfying when a plan comes together.”