Ka Ying Rising reaffirmed his position as the pre‑eminent 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 superstar, under the guidance of trainer David Hayes, once again shattered the Sha Tin track record, crossing the finish line a decisive four and a quarter lengths ahead of his nearest challenger. While his regular jockey Zac Purton was not aboard for this particular ride, the horse’s performance spoke for itself, leaving the field in his wake. The runner‑up spot went to Japan’s multiple Group One victor and Royal Ascot runner‑up Satono Reve, who proved the strongest of the challengers but still finished well behind Ka Ying Rising.
The third‑place finisher was the Irish‑bred Comanche Brave, trained by Donnacha O'Brien, who rounded out the top three of the eight‑horse field. This victory marked the culmination of the Hong Kong Speed Series for a second straight year. In the previous weeks, Ka Ying Rising had already secured wins in the Centenary Sprint Cup and the Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup, demonstrating his versatility across a range of sprint distances and track conditions. Hayes, who confirmed that the champion will now be given a brief spell before targeting the prestigious Everest in Australia this October, reflected on the horse’s extraordinary consistency.
"People often worry about letting everyone down when a horse is on such a long winning streak," Hayes said. "He doesn’t seem to feel that pressure at all.
In this Year of the Horse, he has already cemented his place among the all‑time greats. His times and ratings are simply phenomenal." Hayes continued, "A while back I thought he might be the best horse I’d ever trained. About a year ago I was convinced he was the very best. Today, I can honestly say he is one of the finest racehorses I’ve ever had the privilege to work with." Beyond Ka Ying Rising’s achievement, the card featured another Hong Kong legend, Romantic Warrior, who timed his final run perfectly to claim his fourth FWD QEII Cup victory.
Ridden by James McDonald, Romantic Warrior was settled at the rear of the pack before making a decisive move with a furlong and a half remaining. He surged forward, establishing a clear lead and ultimately winning by a length, easing off in the closing stages. Japanese import 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 back in third, while Karl Burke’s Royal Champion rounded out the top four. In the FWD Champions Mile, another Group One event on the same day, Harry Eustace’s Docklands delivered a respectable performance, finishing third after a steady run through the field. The race unfolded dramatically in the final furlong when My Wish broke free from the pack to launch a challenge. Docklands chased closely behind, and the two battled head‑to‑head as they approached the finish line.
In the end, My Wish managed to hold off the fast‑finishing Cap Ferrat, edging the latter by half a length. Docklands, despite missing out on the win, received high praise from his jockey Mark Zahra, who said, "He ran superbly. He settled nicely off the pace – not a frantic rhythm, but he hit the right split at the perfect moment. Credit to him for a solid third‑place finish." Ka Ying Rising’s 20‑race winning streak is a rare feat in modern thoroughbred racing, underscoring not only the horse’s innate speed but also the meticulous planning of his connections.
Maintaining peak form across multiple high‑profile sprint events requires careful management of training loads, nutrition, and recovery periods. Hayes’ decision to give the horse a brief rest before the Everest reflects a strategic approach aimed at preserving his long‑term health while targeting another historic victory on the international stage.
The Everest, held at Sydney’s Randwick Racecourse in October, offers a staggering purse and attracts the world’s elite sprinters. Ka Ying Rising’s participation will be closely watched by racing enthusiasts worldwide, as his performance could further elevate the reputation of Hong Kong‑trained horses in global competition. For fans eager to stay up‑to‑date with the latest racing news, interviews, and in‑depth features, mobile platforms now provide real‑time access to race results, expert analysis, and behind‑the‑scenes stories.
Whether you follow the sport from Hong Kong, Europe, or Australia, the digital age ensures that every thrilling moment – from a record‑breaking sprint to a hard‑won Group One triumph – is just a tap away. In summary, Ka Ying Rising’s continued dominance, Romantic Warrior’s fourth QEII Cup win, and the strong showings of international contenders like Satono Reve and Comanche Brave illustrate the depth and excitement of this week’s Hong Kong racing festival. As the season progresses, the racing community will undoubtedly keep a close eye on these champions, anticipating more historic performances and unforgettable finishes.