Ka Ying Rising has once again confirmed his place at the very top of the sprinting world by adding a 20th consecutive win to his record, triumphing in the Chairman’s Sprint Prize at Sha Tin. The local superstar, despite not being ridden for the full distance by his regular jockey Zac Purton, shattered the Sha Tin track record once more, finishing a commanding four and a quarter lengths ahead of his challengers. The field was headed by multiple Japanese Group One winner and Royal Ascot runner‑up Satono Reve, who held on for 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 was completing his second consecutive sweep of the Hong Kong Speed Series, having already secured victories in the Centenary Sprint Cup and the Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup earlier in the season. Hayes, who announced that the horse will now enjoy a brief spell of rest before being aimed at 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." The trainer’s admiration underscores how Ka Ying Rising has become a benchmark for excellence in sprint racing, consistently delivering performances that combine blistering speed with remarkable consistency. The Chairman’s Sprint Prize was part of a packed card that also featured another Hong Kong legend, Romantic Warrior, who timed his run to perfection and captured his fourth FWD QEII Cup.
Guided by James McDonald, Romantic Warrior settled in the pack before making a decisive move with a furlong and a half to go, pulling away to win by a comfortable length. Masquerade Ball, who had previously edged Calandagan by a head in the Japan Cup, stayed 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. In the middle of the three Group One contests on the day, Harry Eustace’s Docklands produced a respectable performance, holding on to finish third in the FWD Champions Mile.
The race unfolded dramatically in the final furlong when My Wish surged from the pack to launch a challenge, with Docklands close behind. My Wish managed to hold off a fast‑finishing Cap Ferrat, who had closed rapidly in the home stretch, securing the win by half a length.
Docklands, however, was praised by his jockey Mark Zahra, who said, "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." Ka Ying Rising’s 20‑win streak is more than a statistical curiosity; it represents a sustained period of dominance rarely seen in the highly competitive world of international sprinting. Each victory has been earned against a rotating roster of elite sprinters from Japan, Europe, and Australia, highlighting the horse’s adaptability to different racing styles and track conditions. The record‑breaking run at Sha Tin not only added another trophy to his cabinet but also reinforced his reputation as a horse that can thrive under varying tactical scenarios, whether ridden to the front from the start or asked to produce a late burst from mid‑pack.
Looking ahead, the upcoming Everest in Australia will provide a fresh test for Ka Ying Rising. The Everest, known for its massive purse and deep field of world‑class sprinters, will be a true gauge of whether the Hong Kong champion can translate his local dominance onto the global stage. Hayes’s decision to give the horse a brief rest before the Australian campaign suggests a careful management strategy aimed at preserving the horse’s peak condition while avoiding over‑racing.
For fans of horse racing, the Sha Tin card offered a vivid reminder of why sprint races captivate audiences: the blend of raw speed, tactical nuance, and the occasional underdog story. From Ka Ying Rising’s record‑shattering performance to Romantic Warrior’s fourth QEII Cup triumph, the day was a showcase of elite talent and strategic riding.
As the season progresses, enthusiasts can stay updated with the latest racing news, interviews, and feature stories through their mobile devices, ensuring they never miss a moment of the sport’s ever‑evolving narrative. In summary, Ka Ying Rising’s 20th consecutive win in the Chairman’s Sprint Prize not only cements his status as the premier sprinter of his generation but also sets the stage for an exciting international campaign. With a blend of speed, consistency, and an unyielding competitive spirit, he joins the ranks of the sport’s all‑time greats, and his upcoming challenge at the Everest promises to add another thrilling chapter to an already remarkable career.