Ka Ying Rising further solidified his reputation as the premier sprinter on the global stage by notching his twentieth consecutive win in the Chairman’s Sprint Prize at Sha Tin. The local star, once again under the guidance of regular jockey Zac Purton, delivered a performance that eclipsed the track record for the Hong Kong circuit, finishing a commanding four and a quarter lengths ahead of the field.
Among the challengers, multiple Japanese Group One victor and Royal Ascot runner‑up Satono Reve proved the most formidable, securing second place, while Donnacha O'Brien’s Irish‑bred Comanche Brave rounded out the placings in fifth out of eight starters. Trained by the veteran David Hayes, Ka Ying Rising was completing his second straight sweep of the Hong Kong Speed Series, 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 being aimed at defending his title in The Everest 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.” The trainer’s admiration underscores the rarity of a sprinter who can maintain peak form across multiple seasons while continually improving his official ratings. The Chairman’s Sprint Prize was not the only highlight of the day.
Another Hong Kong legend, Romantic Warrior, timed his run perfectly to claim his fourth victory in the FWD QEII Cup. Ridden by James McDonald, the veteran gelding settled in the pack before making a decisive move with a furlong and a half left to run. He surged ahead, easing to the line a length clear of his nearest rival.
Masquerade Ball, who had previously edged Calandagan by a head in the Japan Cup, produced a strong finish to capture second place. Andre Fabre’s Sosie was a further one and a quarter lengths back in third, while Karl Burke’s Royal Champion rounded out the top four. In the middle of the three Group One contests on the card, the FWD Champions Mile, Harry Eustace’s Docklands delivered a respectable third‑place effort. The race unfolded dramatically a furlong from home when My Wish broke free from the pack to launch a challenge, with Docklands following closely behind.
My Wish managed to hold off the fast‑finishing Cap Ferrat, who closed rapidly to finish just half a length behind. Docklands’ jockey Mark Zahra praised the mount, saying, “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.” These performances illustrate the depth and excitement of Hong Kong racing, where local champions regularly test themselves against top international talent. Ka Ying Rising’s record‑breaking run, Romantic Warrior’s continued dominance in the QEII Cup, and the tightly contested Champions Mile all contribute to a narrative of high‑quality competition that attracts global attention. Fans can stay up‑to‑date with the latest racing news, interviews, and feature stories through mobile platforms, ensuring that every thrilling moment—from sprint finishes to tactical masterclasses—remains within easy reach.
Looking ahead, the focus will shift to Ka Ying Rising’s upcoming campaign in Australia’s Everest, a race that promises to pit the Hong Kong sprinter against the world’s elite stayers and sprinters alike. Hayes’ decision to give the horse a short break reflects a strategic approach to peak conditioning, aiming to preserve the champion’s form while avoiding the wear and tear that can accompany an unrelenting racing schedule. If the horse’s recent displays are any indication, he possesses the speed, stamina, and temperament required to excel on the world stage once more. Meanwhile, Romantic Warrior’s fourth QEII Cup victory cements his legacy as one of Hong Kong’s most durable and versatile sprinters.
His ability to time his runs with precision, especially under the experienced hands of James McDonald, highlights the importance of jockey‑horse synergy in delivering repeat successes. As the season progresses, both horses will likely feature prominently in discussions about the sport’s all‑time greats, inspiring a new generation of owners, trainers, and fans.
In summary, the Chairman’s Sprint Prize added another chapter to Ka Ying Rising’s remarkable career, while the broader card showcased the depth of talent present in Hong Kong’s racing circuit. With a 20‑race winning streak, a track record reset, and plans for an international campaign, Ka Ying Rising stands poised to continue rewriting the history books, and racing enthusiasts worldwide will be watching closely.