Ka Ying Rising has once again confirmed his place at the pinnacle of global sprint racing by adding a 20th consecutive victory to his record, triumphing in the Chairman’s Sprint Prize at Sha Tin. The local star, partnered once more by jockey Zac Purton, delivered a performance that not only widened his winning margin but also saw him shatter the Sha Tin track record for the sprint distance. He crossed the finish line four and a quarter lengths ahead of a field that struggled to keep pace. The runner‑up was Japan’s multiple Group One winner and Royal Ascot runner‑up Satono Reve, who proved the best of the challengers.
The Irish‑trained Comanche Brave, a product of Donnacha O'Brien’s stable, finished fifth out of the eight horses that contested the race. Ka Ying Rising’s dominance was evident from the start, as he broke cleanly from the gates, settled comfortably behind the early pace, and then accelerated with a smooth, powerful stride that left his rivals scrambling for position.
Trained by the veteran David Hayes, the sprinter completed his second consecutive Hong Kong Speed Series sweep, having previously captured the Centenary Sprint Cup and the Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup earlier in the season. Hayes, who announced that Ka Ying Rising will receive a brief respite before being aimed at the prestigious 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 went on to describe his evolving assessment of the horse over the years: "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." Such praise underscores the rarity of a sprinter who can combine raw speed with the durability to string together two dozen top‑class wins across multiple seasons. The Chairman’s Sprint Prize win also highlighted the depth of Hong Kong’s sprinting talent. Another local legend, Romantic Warrior, timed his final surge perfectly to claim his fourth FWD QEII Cup victory.
Ridden by James McDonald, Romantic Warrior was settled in the pack before moving forward with a furlong and a half to go, then taking command and winning comfortably by a length. In the same meeting, Japan’s Masquerade Ball, who had previously edged Calandagan by a head in the Japan Cup, produced a strong finish to secure 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.
The card’s third Group One, the FWD Champions Mile, saw Harry Eustace’s Docklands hold on admirably to finish third, demonstrating that the sprinting form was translating well into middle‑distance contests. The race unfolded dramatically in the final furlong when My Wish broke from the pack to launch a challenge, with Docklands tracking closely behind. My Wish managed to hold off the fast‑finishing Cap Ferrat, who surged late but fell short by half a length. Docklands’ jockey Mark 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." This comment encapsulated the tactical acumen displayed by several connections throughout the day, emphasizing the importance of timing, pace management, and a well‑timed finishing kick. Ka Ying Rising’s achievement is particularly noteworthy when placed in a broader historical context. Few sprinters have managed to sustain a 20‑race winning streak at the elite level, especially across different distances, track conditions, and competitive fields. The horse’s ability to repeatedly break track records suggests a combination of natural talent, meticulous training, and a partnership with jockeys who understand how to extract maximum efficiency from his stride.
Looking ahead, the Everest in Australia offers a tantalising next chapter. The race, known for its massive prize pool and international field, will test Ka Ying Rising against the world’s best middle‑distance horses. Hayes’ decision to give the horse a short break before targeting the event reflects a strategic approach to preserving the sprinter’s peak condition while allowing him to adapt to the longer distance and different track surface.
For racing enthusiasts, the day’s outcomes provide ample material for analysis. The dominance of Hong Kong‑trained horses across multiple Group One races underscores the region’s growing influence on the global racing calendar. Meanwhile, the performances of Satono Reve and Comanche Brave illustrate the increasing willingness of Japanese and Irish connections to campaign their top talent in Hong Kong’s lucrative spring meet. Fans can stay up‑to‑date with the latest racing news, interviews, and feature stories via Sky Sports Racing’s mobile platform, ensuring they never miss a moment of the action.
Whether you are tracking Ka Ying Rising’s preparation for the Everest, following Romantic Warrior’s quest for further QEII Cup glory, or analyzing the tactical nuances of the Champions Mile, the platform offers comprehensive coverage of the sport’s most compelling narratives. In summary, Ka Ying Rising’s 20th consecutive win not only cements his legacy as one of the all‑time great sprinters but also sets the stage for an exciting international campaign later this year. His record‑breaking speed, consistent performance, and the expert stewardship of David Hayes make him a horse to watch as he aims to add more chapters to an already remarkable career.