Ka Ying Rising has once again affirmed his place at the pinnacle of global sprinting by adding a 20th consecutive win to his record, triumphing in the Chairman’s Sprint Prize at Sha Tin. The local star, despite not receiving the full complement of assistance from his regular jockey Zac Purton, shattered the Sha Tin track record once more, finishing a remarkable four and a quarter lengths ahead of his struggling rivals. The field’s next best performer was Japan’s multiple Group One winner and Royal Ascot runner‑up Satono Reve, who secured second place, while Donnacha O'Brien’s Irish‑bred Comanche Brave rounded out the eight‑horse field in fifth.
Trained by the veteran David Hayes, Ka Ying Rising completed his second straight Hong Kong Speed Series campaign, having previously captured the Centenary Sprint Cup and the Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup. Hayes, who announced that the champion will now be given a brief respite before being aimed at defending his title in Australia’s prestigious Everest in 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. 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 Chairman’s Sprint Prize win was part of a broader showcase of Hong Kong’s sprinting talent on the day, which also featured another local legend, Romantic Warrior, who timed his final surge perfectly to claim his fourth FWD QEII Cup victory. Ridden by James McDonald, Romantic Warrior was positioned in the pack before making a decisive move with a furlong and a half to go, then pulling clear to win comfortably by a length.
Japanese contender Masquerade Ball, who had previously edged Calandagan by a head in the Japan Cup, displayed a strong finish to secure second place, while Andre Fabre’s Sosie was a further one‑and‑quarter lengths back in third. Karl Burke’s Royal Champion rounded out the top four. In the middle of the three Group One races on the card, the FWD Champions Mile, Harry Eustace’s Docklands delivered a respectable performance, staying on well to finish third.
The race’s climax unfolded a furlong from the finish when My Wish broke free from the pack to launch a challenge, with Docklands following closely behind. My Wish managed to hold on just enough to edge out the fast‑finishing Cap Ferrat, who had surged late to challenge Docklands, ultimately finishing half a length behind. Docklands’ jockey Mark Zahra praised his mount after the run: “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 especially noteworthy given the demanding nature of Hong Kong’s sprint circuit, where tight turns and high humidity test even the most seasoned sprinters. Breaking the track record twice in a single season underscores his exceptional speed and adaptability. Moreover, his ability to dominate without the full tactical input of his usual rider demonstrates a rare blend of innate talent and training discipline.
Looking ahead, Hayes’ decision to give the horse a short break before targeting the Everest reflects a strategic approach to preserving the sprinter’s longevity. The Everest, held at Sydney’s Randwick Racecourse, offers a massive purse and attracts the world’s elite sprinters, making Ka Ying Rising’s potential participation a headline‑grabbing prospect for Australian racing fans. Beyond the immediate accolades, Ka Ying Rising’s continued success contributes to Hong Kong’s reputation as a hub for world‑class sprint racing.
The city’s investment in state‑of‑the‑art training facilities, coupled with a competitive racing calendar, has attracted top trainers like Hayes and high‑profile owners seeking to showcase their horses on an international stage. Fans can stay up to date with the latest racing news, interviews, and feature stories by following dedicated racing platforms and mobile apps, ensuring they never miss a moment of the action. The recent performances of Ka Ying Rising, Romantic Warrior, and the other contenders highlight the depth of talent currently thriving in Hong Kong’s racing scene, promising an exciting future for the sport both locally and abroad.