Fresh off his triumph in the Hong Kong Classic Mile (1600m), Luke Ferraris maintained his red-hot form with a stylish victory aboard Mr Ascendency in the HK$3.12 million Class 2 Tsun Yip Handicap (1650m) at Happy Valley on Wednesday night (February 5).

Following his memorable win on My Wish in the HK$13 million Hong Kong Classic Mile for trainer Mark Newnham, Ferraris partnered with Ricky Yiu to secure another feature race success, delivering a perfectly timed ride on Mr Ascendency.

Positioned towards the rear along the rails, Ferraris found a gap approaching the 300m mark, threading Mr Ascendency (122lb) between the leading Telecom Fighters (119lb) and eventual third-place finisher Helene Feeling (133lb) to win with authority.

Despite his smaller frame, Mr Ascendency compensates with heart and determination—a trait Ferraris highlighted post-race.

“He’s a lovely little horse with plenty of fight,” Ferraris said. “I had a dream run, and when the splits came, he hit them hard. Credit to Ricky and his team; they’ve backed him up well, and he’s never felt better.”

Reflecting on his recent success, including a Chinese New Year Raceday treble, the 23-year-old jockey added, “It’s back to business now, and it’s good to get another win.”

Currently sitting fourth in the 2024/25 jockeys’ championship with 25 wins, Ferraris trails Zac Purton (82), Hugh Bowman (38), and Vincent Ho (27) as he aims to surpass his career-best season tally of 35 victories set in 2022/23.

Trainer Ricky Yiu’s decision to back up Mr Ascendency after his second-place finish in the Class 2 Chinese New Year Cup Handicap (1400m) on January 31 proved inspired.

“He ran well last Friday and pulled up perfectly,” Yiu explained. “I monitored him every morning, and by today, I knew he was ready. He’s close to his peak.”

Yiu also praised Ferraris’ confidence in the saddle. “Luke is riding with great self-belief. He’s a top jockey.”

Poon, Purton, and Whyte Shine

Elsewhere on the card, Matthew Poon and Zac Purton both secured riding doubles. Poon reached a career milestone with his 100th Happy Valley victory aboard Yiu-trained Hayday in the Class 4 Wai Yip Handicap (1200m).

“It’s special to win on this horse,” Poon said. “Paul (Lau) and Ricky have always supported me, so it’s great to repay them.”

Poon also guided Fortune Whiskey, trained by David Eustace, to victory in the Class 4 Volunteers’ Challenge Cup Handicap (1200m).

Purton showcased his tactical brilliance with a textbook front-running ride on Soleil Fighter in the Class 3 Yue Man Handicap (1650m), securing a brace after earlier guiding Northern Beast to success in the Class 4 Hoi Yuen Handicap (1800m).

Douglas Whyte also celebrated a double, teaming up with Lyle Hewitson to win the Class 4 Wai Yip Handicap (1200m) with Glory B before Hugh Bowman piloted Red Elegance to victory in the Class 3 Mut Wah Handicap (1000m).

Jamie Richards continued his strong form, making it two wins in as many meetings when Gallant Valour edged a thrilling finish in the Class 3 Shui Wo Handicap (1200m) under Brenton Avdulla.

Meanwhile, Cody Mo notched his 23rd win of the season with Confringo, who secured a last-gasp victory in the Class 5 Hung To Handicap (1650m) under Harry Bentley.