Luke Ferraris is aiming to break new ground when the rising talent represents Team Hong Kong in Saturday’s (8 August) Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup at Ascot, marking his race-riding debut in Great Britain, which follows another strong campaign in Hong Kong.

Ferraris said: “It’s pretty good to be having them (first rides) at probably the best racetrack in the country. And it’s pretty special to be representing Hong Kong, too, and having our first team at the Shergar Cup. It’s an honour and a privilege. Hopefully, we can do them proud.

“I consider it (Hong Kong) my home. It’s a big thing for me. A winner would be the cherry on top. If we can win it, it will be a huge thrill, not only for us, but for the Hong Kong racing fans that are so passionate about racing. I’m sure they’re watching closely and will be cheering.”

Ferraris, 24, is from a South African racing dynasty – the third generation of his family after his father, David Ferraris, trainer of former champion Vengeance Of Rain, who spent 18 seasons in Hong Kong where Luke was raised. Ormond Ferraris, Luke’s grandfather and master during his apprenticeship in South Africa, trained approximately 2,600 winners.

Twice South Africa’s Champion Apprentice in 2018/19 and 2019/20, Ferraris has completed five seasons in Hong Kong and continues to cement his standing in the ultra-competitive jockeys’ room, riding 35 winners last season – matching his second-best tally – including a breakthrough Group 3 win in Hong Kong.

Ferraris believes he’s learned racing’s steepest lessons in Hong Kong, boosting his development as a rider and providing him with the confidence to compete anywhere.

Luke Ferraris secures Group 3 glory aboard My Wish at Sha Tin.

Luke Ferraris secures Group 3 glory aboard My Wish at Sha Tin.

“In general, you have to grow up pretty quickly in racing, but Hong Kong has a way of sharpening you up really quickly as a rider – if you don’t adapt, you will struggle. Adapting to the style and doing your own rides, communicating with people to get the rides is a big learning curve for me and part of growing up,” Ferraris said.

“But I think that’s moulded me the most as a rider because you are competing against the best and you can’t get complacent. You come out of the gates fast, and you have to make split-second decisions, and if you get it wrong, chances are you might not see the ride again.

“Hong Kong is nicknamed the ‘pressure cooker’ and it is that. From Class 5 to Class 1, they all count equally. A Class 5 win is as important because every race is hard to win. It’s a tough place but a great place and an even better place when it’s going well for you.”

Ferraris joins Team Hong Kong captain Vincent Ho and teammate Jerry Chau against teams representing Great Britain & Ireland, Europe and the Rest of the World. World-class riders Ryan Moore, Yutaka Take and Christophe Lemaire feature in the six-race competition.

Each race is limited to 10 runners, and with full fields, each jockey will have five rides.

Team Hong Kong take on the world’s best jockeys this Saturday at Ascot.

Team Hong Kong take on the world’s best jockeys this Saturday at Ascot.

Ferraris rides Dancing In Paris in the Shergar Cup Stayers Handicap (3190m), Castle Stuart in the Shergar Cup Challenge Handicap (2392m), Shaatir in the Shergar Cup Sprint Handicap (1200m), Pierre Grosse in the Shergar Cup Classic Handicap (2392m) and Popmaster in the Shergar Cup Mile Handicap (1594m).

Ho partners Gold Star Hero in the Shergar Cup Dash Handicap (1000m), Kilmeaden in the Shergar Cup Stayers Handicap, Frances Ethel in the Shergar Cup Challenge Handicap, Figjam in the Shergar Cup Sprint Handicap and Serengeti in the Shergar Cup Mile Handicap.

Chau is aboard Tuco Salamanca in the Shergar Cup Dash Handicap, Claymore in the Shergar Cup Challenge Handicap, Thunder Call in the Shergar Cup Sprint Handicap, Baltic Fleet in the Shergar Cup Classic Handicap and Mister Winston in the Shergar Cup Mile Handicap.

The Shergar Cup sees riders carry their team’s silks, with points awarded to the first five horses over the line: 15 for first, 10 for second, seven for third, five for fourth and three for fifth. In addition, the Silver Saddle goes to the jockey who accumulates the most points.

The Shergar Cup Dash gets Saturday’s (8 August) six-race fixture underway – staged under the World Pool banner – at 8.35pm (Hong Kong time) from Ascot, Great Britain.