Ka Ying Rising solidified his reputation as the pre‑eminent sprinter on the global stage by notching his twentieth consecutive win in the Chairman’s Sprint Prize at Sha Tin. The local champion, once again under the guidance of regular jockey Zac Purton, delivered a performance that eclipsed the existing track record at Hong Kong’s premier racing venue, finishing a decisive four and a quarter lengths ahead of his nearest competitors. The field featured a strong lineup, including multiple Japanese Group One victor and Royal Ascot runner‑up Satono Reve, who proved the best of the rest by finishing second.
Irish‑trained Comanche Brave, a product of Donnacha O'Brien’s stable, rounded out the placings in fifth position out of eight starters, underscoring the depth of talent present on the day. Trained by the veteran David Hayes, Ka Ying Rising completed the Hong Kong Speed Series for the second straight year, having previously triumphed in both the Centenary Sprint Cup and the Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup. Hayes, who announced that the champion will now enjoy a brief spell of rest before targeting a defence of his Everest title in Australia this October, reflected on the horse’s extraordinary consistency: "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." His remarks highlight the rare combination of speed, durability and temperament that Ka Ying Rising displays on a regular basis. In related news, another Hong Kong star, Romantic Warrior, timed his final burst perfectly to secure a fourth victory in the FWD Queen Elizabeth II Cup.
Ridden by James McDonald, the veteran sprinter settled in the pack before moving forward at the one‑and‑a‑half‑furlong mark, then seized control of the race and crossed the line a length clear of his rivals. Masquerade Ball, who had previously edged Calandagan by a head in the Japan Cup, stayed on strongly to claim second place, while Andre Fabre’s Sosie finished a further one‑and‑quarter lengths back in third.
Karl Burke’s Royal Champion rounded out the top four. The day also featured the FWD Champions Mile, one of three Group One contests on the card. Harry Eustace’s Docklands performed admirably, holding on to finish third after a solid run through the field. Later in the program, My Wish emerged from the pack a furlong out, setting a brisk pace that forced the other contenders to respond.
Docklands, guided by jockey Mark Zahra, followed closely behind and managed to stay on well, ultimately finishing third. My Wish managed to hold off a fast‑finishing Cap Ferrat, who closed strongly but was unable to overturn the result, finishing just half a length behind. 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." His comments underscore the importance of tactical positioning and timing in sprint races, where a fraction of a second can determine the difference between victory and defeat. Ka Ying Rising’s achievement of twenty straight wins is a rare feat in modern thoroughbred racing, reflecting not only the horse’s innate speed but also the meticulous planning of his training team, the strategic acumen of his jockey and the supportive infrastructure of Hong Kong racing. The record‑breaking run adds to a growing legacy that includes multiple Group One victories across several continents, and it sets a high bar for future sprinters aiming to emulate his dominance. Looking ahead, fans can anticipate Ka Ying Rising’s upcoming campaign in Australia’s Everest, a race that will test his ability to replicate his Hong Kong form against an international field of elite sprinters.
Meanwhile, the Hong Kong racing circuit continues to produce world‑class talent, with horses like Romantic Warrior, Masquerade Ball and Docklands demonstrating the depth and quality of the region’s thoroughbred population. For those who wish to stay updated on the latest developments, interviews and feature stories from the world of horse racing, mobile platforms and dedicated sports outlets provide real‑time coverage, ensuring that enthusiasts never miss a moment of the action.