Ka Ying Rising has once again confirmed his place at the very top of global sprinting by adding a twentieth consecutive win to his record, triumphing in the Chairman's Sprint Prize at Sha Tin. The local superstar, who continues to defy expectations even without a full ride from his regular jockey Zac Purton, shattered the Sha Tin track record yet again, crossing the finish line a commanding four and a quarter lengths ahead of his nearest challenger.
Among the eight runners, the Japanese Group One veteran and Royal Ascot runner‑up Satono Reve managed to secure second place, while Donnacha O'Brien’s Irish‑bred Comanche Brave finished fifth. Trained by David Hayes, Ka Ying Rising completed the Hong Kong Speed Series for the second straight year, having previously captured the Centenary Sprint Cup and the Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup. Hayes, who announced that the horse will now enjoy a short spell of 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." These remarks underscore the rarity of a sprinter who can consistently produce record‑breaking performances over multiple seasons, a feat rarely witnessed in the highly competitive Hong Kong circuit. The Chairman's Sprint Prize itself is a highlight of the Hong Kong racing calendar, attracting top sprinters from across Asia and Europe. Ka Ying Rising's victory not only added another trophy to his growing cabinet but also reinforced his dominance over rivals who have proven themselves on the world stage.
Satono Reve, a multiple Group One winner in Japan and a strong performer at Royal Ascot, was unable to match the Hong Kong champion's turn of foot, while the Irish contender Comanche Brave, trained by Donnacha O'Brien, showed promise but fell short of the pace required to challenge the front‑runner. Beyond the headline performance, the race card featured several other notable achievements. Romantic Warrior, another Hong Kong star, timed his run perfectly to claim his fourth FWD QEII Cup, a testament to his staying power and tactical versatility.
Ridden by James McDonald, Romantic Warrior settled in the pack before making a decisive move with a furlong and a half to go, ultimately pulling away to win by a length. In the same race, Masquerade Ball, who had previously edged out Calandagan by a head in the Japan Cup, produced a strong finish to secure second place. Andre Fabre’s internationally‑acclaimed mare Sosie trailed a further one and a quarter lengths behind, while Karl Burke’s Royal Champion rounded out the top four. The day’s programme also included the prestigious FWD Champions Mile, one of three Group One contests on the card.
Harry Eustace’s Docklands delivered a respectable performance, staying on well to finish third amidst a field of elite milers. The race unfolded dramatically in the final furlong when My Wish, having broken free from the pack, launched a late challenge that saw him hold off the fast‑finishing Cap Ferrat by half a length.
Docklands, meanwhile, maintained a steady rhythm throughout and earned praise from 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 continued success has broader implications for the international sprinting scene. His ability to consistently break track records suggests that the training methods employed by Hayes, combined with the horse's innate speed and adaptability, could serve as a model for other trainers seeking to develop world‑class sprinters. Moreover, his upcoming campaign in The Everest—a race often described as the richest sprint in the world—will provide a global stage for the Hong Kong champion to test his mettle against the very best from Australia, Europe, and the United States.
Fans and industry insiders alike are eager to see whether Ka Ying Rising can translate his Hong Kong dominance to Australian soil. The Everest, held at Randwick in October, offers a unique blend of speed, stamina, and tactical nuance, and the horse’s proven ability to accelerate quickly and sustain high cruising speeds makes him a serious contender. Should he succeed, it would further cement his legacy as one of the most versatile and accomplished sprinters of his generation. In addition to the on‑track action, the day highlighted the growing importance of digital platforms in delivering racing news.
Sky Sports Racing continues to provide real‑time updates, in‑depth interviews, and feature stories that keep enthusiasts connected to the sport, whether they are following from the grandstand or on their mobile devices. Overall, Ka Ying Rising's twentieth straight win not only adds another chapter to his remarkable career but also enriches the narrative of Hong Kong racing as a hub of world‑class talent.
With a strategic rest period ahead and a high‑profile target in The Everest, the champion sprinter is poised to continue his ascent, captivating fans worldwide and inspiring the next generation of racehorses and trainers.