Ka Ying Rising solidified his reputation as the premier sprinter on the global stage by adding a 20th consecutive win to his record, triumphing in the Chairman’s Sprint Prize at Sha Tin. The local champion, despite not receiving the full support of his regular jockey Zac Purton, once again shattered the Sha Tin track record, finishing a commanding four and a quarter lengths ahead of his competitors. The field’s next best performer was Japan’s multiple Group One winner and Royal Ascot runner‑up Satono Reve, who claimed second place, while Donnacha O'Brien’s Irish‑bred Comanche Brave rounded out the placings in fifth out of eight starters. Trained by David Hayes, Ka Ying Rising completed the Hong Kong Speed Series for the second straight year, having previously secured victories in the Centenary Sprint Cup and the Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup.
Hayes, who announced that the horse will now be given a brief rest before being aimed at defending his title in The Everest in Australia this October, reflected on the magnitude of the achievement: "You tend to worry that you are going to let everyone down. He doesn't, does he?
In the year of the horse, he is now one of the all‑time greats, I think. The way he is running times and rating so incredibly well." Hayes continued, "A long time ago I thought he might have been the best horse I trained and about a year ago I thought he was definitely the best horse I trained. Now I think he is one of the best horses I have ever seen." His comments underline how Ka Ying Rising has moved from being a promising talent to a genuine legend in sprint racing, consistently delivering performances that eclipse expectations. The Chairman’s Sprint Prize itself is a highlight of Hong Kong’s racing calendar, drawing top sprinters from across the region.
Ka Ying Rising’s dominance was evident from the start; he broke cleanly from the gates, quickly found a rhythm, and then accelerated past the pack with a smooth, effortless stride. By the final furlong he was already well clear, and his final time not only set a new course record but also underscored his extraordinary speed and stamina.
In other news from the same meeting, another Hong Kong star, Romantic Warrior, timed his run perfectly to claim his fourth FWD QEII Cup victory. Ridden by James McDonald, the veteran gelding settled in the midfield before making a decisive move a furlong and a half from the finish. He surged ahead, winning comfortably by a length, demonstrating the same tactical acumen that has made him a fan favourite.
The runner‑up in that race was Masquerade Ball, who had previously edged Calandagan by a head in the Japan Cup. He held on strongly to finish second, while Andre Fabre’s Sosie was a further one and a quarter lengths back in third place.
Karl Burke’s Royal Champion completed the top four, showing that the field was highly competitive. The card also featured three Group One contests, and Harry Eustace’s Docklands managed a respectable third in the FWD Champions Mile, staying on well in the closing stages. Earlier in the day, My Wish emerged from the pack to set the pace for the race that would determine the Champion Mile’s final placings. Docklands, guided by jockey Mark Zahra, followed closely and ultimately edged out the fast‑finishing Cap Ferrat, who had threatened to overtake him in the home stretch.
Cap Ferrat held Docklands off by half a length, securing second place. Zahra praised his mount after the race: "He ran super.
He settled back nice and comfy off – not a hectic speed, but he got the split at the right time, and credit to him for running third." His comments highlighted the importance of a well‑timed run and the horse’s ability to conserve energy before delivering a strong finish. Overall, the meeting showcased the depth of talent in Hong Kong racing, with Ka Ying Rising’s record‑breaking performance serving as the headline act.
His 20‑win streak not only cements his status as a sprinting icon but also sets a benchmark for future generations. As the horse prepares for a brief hiatus before targeting The Everest, fans and pundits alike will be watching closely to see whether he can maintain his extraordinary form on the international stage. For those who want to stay updated on the latest developments in horse racing, including interviews, feature stories, and breaking news, mobile platforms now offer real‑time alerts and comprehensive coverage.
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