Francis Lui joined a truly elite circle of Hong Kong trainers on Wednesday night (14 January) when Speed Dragon surged past his rivals to claim the G3 January Cup Handicap (1800m) at Happy Valley. The victory marked Lui’s 1,000th Hong Kong winner, making him only the sixth trainer in the city’s racing history to reach the milestone.

Known for his quiet professionalism, Lui now stands alongside John Moore (1,735 wins), John Size (1,629), Tony Cruz (1,583), Caspar Fownes (1,196) and Ricky Yiu (1,082) in one of the sport’s most exclusive clubs. Speed Dragon (117lb), guided expertly by Lyle Hewitson, came from last on the home turn to edge Huge Wave (116lb) and last year’s champion Helene Feeling (125lb) by half a length in 1m 48s.

Lui’s journey in Hong Kong racing spans more than five decades. He began as a jockey, riding 36 winners between 1975 and 1982 after graduating from The Hong Kong Jockey Club’s Apprentice Jockeys’ School, later becoming an assistant trainer before taking out his own licence in 1996/97. He is widely celebrated as the trainer of Golden Sixty, the 10-time Group 1 winner, and recently enjoyed a second BMW Hong Kong Derby triumph with Cap Ferrat, five years after Golden Sixty’s 2020 Derby success. His stable also boasts Group 1 victories with Lucky Bubbles and a string of other prestigious honours.

“I feel very happy. It’s a big number (1,000) and it’s not easy. Golden Sixty is special, but every winner is important, for the owners as well,” Lui said. On Speed Dragon, he added: “Always in these races, a light weight is favourable. It all depends on the programme, but I think he’ll race at both Happy Valley and Sha Tin.”

Lui needed just two winners on the night to reach the milestone. Winning Money (126lb) gave him the first in the Class 4 Monaco Handicap (1200m) under Zac Purton before Hewitson produced a calm, decisive ride aboard Speed Dragon.

Hewitson, celebrating his first Group race winner in Hong Kong, reflected: “I’m really happy to get it done. I’ve been touched off in a few Group races, most for Francis, so to finally get the nose in front in such good fashion is a real thrill. We got shuffled back to last on the turn, but thankfully that section picked up speed, he quickened beautifully, and I just waited for the gap. He won with authority. Full of merit, a horse thriving here.”

The meeting also saw Jimmy Ting reach his 200th winner when Blazing Beam (133lb) claimed the Class 5 Meteorites Handicap (1200m). Ting, who recently guided Little Paradise to Class 2 success, said: “I didn’t think about the milestone before the race. It’s been a lot of hard work from my team. He’s been a tricky horse, so this win was a bit of a surprise, but the switch to Class 5 helped, and he’s slowly maturing.”

Cody Mo enjoyed a double on the night. Fortunate Son (135lb) secured his second course-and-distance win in the Class 4 Yummy Handicap under Hugh Bowman, while Lucky Planet (135lb) dominated the Class 4 Croisette Handicap (1200m) with Matthew Poon aboard. Poon said: “He’s always quick out of the gate, sometimes too quick, so timing was key today. He flew out perfectly and could last carrying the weight. I’m grateful to Mr Leung and his family for their support.”

Mark Newnham also maintained his championship momentum. Luke Ferraris produced a ground-saving ride on Fortune Star (123lb) to claim the Class 4 Yacht Club Handicap (1650m), while Newnham extended his season lead to 32 wins after Max Que (122lb) won the Class 3 APM Monaco Cup Handicap under Purton. Caspar Fownes closed out the meeting when Mighty Commander powered home in the Class 3 Saint Tropez Handicap (1200m) under Alexis Badel.

Lui’s 1,000th winner is a reminder of a career defined by patience, dedication, and an uncanny ability to develop champions quietly but consistently—a milestone few achieve, and one few will ever forget.