Ka Ying Rising once again proved why he is regarded as the premier sprinter on the global stage, stretching his unbeaten run to an impressive twenty wins after triumphing in the Chairman's Sprint Prize at Sha Tin. The local superstar, despite not receiving a full ride from his regular jockey Zac Purton, shattered the Sha Tin track record once more, crossing the finish line a commanding four and a quarter lengths ahead of his nearest challenger. Among the eight runners, Japan's multiple Group One victor and Royal Ascot runner‑up Satono Reve managed to secure second place, while Donnacha O'Brien’s Irish‑bred Comanche Brave rounded out the field in fifth.
Trained by the veteran David Hayes, Ka Ying Rising completed his second consecutive sweep of the Hong Kong Speed Series, having previously captured the Centenary Sprint Cup and the Queen's Silver Jubilee Cup earlier in the season. Hayes, who announced that the champion will now be given a brief 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 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." This high praise underscores Ka Ying Rising's consistency, speed, and ability to dominate top‑class fields across different tracks and conditions.
The Chairman's Sprint Prize victory also highlighted the depth of talent present in Hong Kong racing. While Ka Ying Rising was the clear star, the race featured a strong contingent of international contenders. Satono Reve, a proven Group One performer from Japan, showcased his class by holding off a fast‑closing challenge from the Irish‑trained Comanche Brave, who had traveled from Europe to test himself against Hong Kong's elite.
The race's pace was relentless, yet Ka Ying Rising displayed effortless acceleration, pulling away early and maintaining a blistering tempo that left his rivals scrambling. Beyond the sprint, the meeting delivered more memorable moments. Romantic Warrior, another Hong Kong favorite, timed his run perfectly to secure a fourth victory in the FWD QEII Cup.
Guided by James McDonald, the veteran horse settled in the pack before making a decisive move with a furlong and a half to go, ultimately winning by a comfortable length. Masquerade Ball, who had previously edged Calandagan by a head in the Japan Cup, proved his stamina by finishing second, while Andre Fabre’s internationally‑acclaimed Sosie took third, followed by Karl Burke’s Royal Champion.
The card also featured the prestigious FWD Champions Mile, where Harry Eustace’s Docklands delivered a respectable third‑place finish, demonstrating the horse’s ability to compete at the highest level in middle‑distance contests. In the final stages of the race, My Wish emerged from the pack to launch a late challenge, holding off a fast‑finishing Cap Ferrat by half a length.
Docklands, ridden by Mark Zahra, stayed on strongly to secure third, prompting Zahra to praise his mount: "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 achievement is not merely a statistical milestone; it reflects a broader narrative of Hong Kong's racing excellence.
The city’s world‑class facilities, expert trainers, and skilled jockeys create an environment where horses like Ka Ying Rising can thrive. Moreover, the international participation—from Japanese Group One winners to European contenders—illustrates the global appeal of Hong Kong’s racing calendar. Looking ahead, the focus shifts to The Everest in Australia, where Ka Ying Rising will attempt to defend his title against a field that includes some of the Southern Hemisphere’s most formidable sprinters.
Hayes’ decision to give the horse a brief lay‑off underscores the importance of careful management in preserving peak performance for such high‑stakes events. Fans worldwide will be watching closely, eager to see if the Hong Kong superstar can translate his dominance onto Australian soil. For racing enthusiasts who want to stay updated on the latest news, interviews, and feature stories, Sky Sports Racing offers comprehensive coverage across all platforms. Whether you follow the sport on your phone, tablet, or desktop, you can access in‑depth analysis, behind‑the‑scenes insights, and real‑time results to keep you connected to the excitement of the racing world.
In summary, Ka Ying Rising’s twentieth consecutive win cements his legacy as one of the greatest sprinters of his generation. His record‑breaking performance at Sha Tin, combined with the strong showings of other top horses like Romantic Warrior, Masquerade Ball, and Docklands, highlights a vibrant and competitive season in Hong Kong racing. As the sport looks forward to upcoming international challenges, the achievements of these equine athletes continue to inspire fans and reaffirm Hong Kong’s status as a premier destination for world‑class thoroughbred racing.