Ka Ying Rising has once again confirmed his place at the pinnacle of global sprint racing by adding a twentieth consecutive win to his record, triumphing in the Chairman's Sprint Prize at Sha Tin. The local champion, who has become a household name among Hong Kong racing fans, delivered a performance that not only reinforced his dominance but also saw him shatter the track record for the circuit once more.
He crossed the finish line a full four and a quarter lengths ahead of his nearest challenger, demonstrating a blend of raw speed and effortless cruising that left his rivals struggling to keep pace. While his regular jockey Zac Purton did not request a full ride from the horse, Ka Ying Rising responded with an almost effortless burst of acceleration that left the field in his wake. The runner‑up spot was claimed by Japan’s Satono Reve, a multiple Group One winner and former Royal Ascot runner‑up, who proved to be the best of the rest. The third place was taken by Irish‑trained Comanche Brave, a horse under the guidance of Donnacha O'Brien, who rounded out the eight‑horse field in a respectable fifth‑place finish.
Trained by the veteran David Hayes, Ka Ying Rising was completing his second consecutive sweep of the Hong Kong Speed Series, having previously secured victories in the Centenary Sprint Cup and the Queen's Silver Jubilee Cup. Hayes, who announced that the champion will receive a brief spell of rest before being aimed at defending his title in The Everest in Australia this October, reflected on the horse's extraordinary achievements. "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 said.
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." These comments underline the respect the trainer holds for his charge, a respect earned through consistent brilliance on the track.
The Chairman's Sprint Prize victory was part of a broader night of high‑profile racing that also saw other Hong Kong stars shine. Romantic Warrior, another local legend, timed his final surge perfectly to claim his fourth FWD QEII Cup win. Ridden by James McDonald, the horse settled in the pack before making a decisive move a furlong and a half from the finish, pulling away to win by a length with a relaxed finish.
In the same race, Japan's Masquerade Ball, who had previously edged out Calandagan by a head in the Japan Cup, displayed a strong finishing kick to secure second place. Andre Fabre's Sosie followed a further one and a quarter lengths behind to take third, while Karl Burke's Royal Champion rounded out the top four. The evening also featured the FWD Champions Mile, one of the three Group One contests on the card.
Harry Eustace's Docklands, despite not being among the pre‑race favorites, delivered a solid performance by staying on strongly to finish third. The race unfolded dramatically in the final furlong when My Wish emerged from the pack to launch a challenge, with Docklands close behind. My Wish managed to hold on just enough to edge out the fast‑finishing Cap Ferrat, who had surged late but fell short by half a length. Docklands' jockey Mark 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." Zahra's comments highlight the tactical ride that allowed Docklands to conserve energy early and then unleash a well‑timed finish. Ka Ying Rising's latest triumph adds another chapter to his rapidly growing legacy. The horse's ability to repeatedly break track records, win by large margins, and maintain an unbeaten streak across multiple seasons places him in a rarefied group of sprinters. His upcoming campaign in Australia’s Everest, a race renowned for its massive prize pool and international field, will test his versatility against some of the world’s best speed horses.
If his recent performances are any indication, Ka Ying Rising will arrive in Sydney as a clear favorite, ready to add another prestigious title to his already impressive résumé. Fans can stay up to date with the latest racing news, in‑depth interviews, and feature stories by following the sport’s dedicated coverage channels. The excitement generated by Ka Ying Rising and his compatriots continues to fuel interest in Hong Kong racing, drawing attention from enthusiasts worldwide who appreciate the blend of speed, strategy, and sheer athleticism on display.
As the season progresses, the spotlight will remain firmly on this remarkable sprinter, whose record‑breaking run has already inspired a new generation of racing aficionados.