Apprentice Farhan Ghazali enjoyed a dream start to his career in Malaysia when he piloted Banker’s Princess to a narrow victory in the RM62,000 UK Stable (Thailand) Trophy at Sungai Besi on his local debut.
A champion rider in his home state Kelantan, the 25-year-old has also ridden in Thailand so to win the Thai-sponsored race added special meaning to his first success.
Farhan was riding ponies by the age of eight. After completing secondary school, he immersed himself in stable work and endurance riding – experiences that deepened his passion for horses and shaped his ambition to pursue race riding professionally.
Farhan was recommended by his cousin, 2023 champion apprentice jockey Nuqman Faris Rozi, to join Johnny Lim's stable, the same mentor who guided Nuqman's rise.
Over the past three years, Farhan has diligently honed his craft under BT Lim's guidance while simultaneously training at the Apprentice Jockeys' School.
His first ride on Banker's Princess wasn't a copy-book one though.
Farhan was caught three-wide by Mega Crusader and Sir Ruby tussling for the lead in the Restricted Maiden race.
The trio were level going into the straight before Banker's Princess surged ahead with 200m to go.
Maximus Pegasus stormed home on his inside towards the end but Banker's Princess just held on to win by a short head with Mega Crusader finishing third.
"I wanted to come inside in the back straight but another horse came up and I had no choice to hold my position (three-wide)," said Farhan whose family was on hand to witness the historic occasion.
"As I am a rookie apprentice, I only rode hands-and-heels. The other horse came up on my inside but I knew I won the race."
"I am so happy to win my first ride, especially with the family here today."
His father Ghazali Nawi even represented the owners Banker's Stable to receive the winning trophy.
"Farhan has been working the mare (Banker's Princess ) every day and they won her trial last month," said Lim.
"I was confident he would do well. And with him able to claim 4kg, why not."
Farhan rode the mare at 50kg and that was the decisive factor.
