Ka Ying Rising has once again affirmed his place at the pinnacle of global sprint racing by securing his twentieth consecutive win, this time triumphing in the Chairman's Sprint Prize at Sha Tin Racecourse. The local star, partnered once more by jockey Zac Purton—though the rider chose not to request every possible advantage—delivered a performance that shattered the existing track record for the Hong Kong circuit. He crossed the finish line a commanding four and a quarter lengths ahead of his nearest challenger, underscoring his dominance over a field that struggled to match his pace.
Among the eight runners, the most notable challenger was Japan’s Satono Reve, a multiple Group One winner and former runner‑up at Royal Ascot, who managed to finish second but remained well behind the winner. The third‑place finisher was Irish‑trained Comanche Brave, a horse owned by Donnacha O'Brien, who could only manage fifth in the final standings. The remaining competitors were unable to pose a serious threat, illustrating the widening gap between Ka Ying Rising and his peers. Trained by the veteran David Hayes, Ka Ying Rising was completing the Hong Kong Speed Series for the second consecutive year, having previously captured the Centenary Sprint Cup and the Queen's Silver Jubilee Cup.
Hayes, who has overseen the horse’s meteoric rise, announced that the champion will now be given a brief spell before being aimed at the prestigious Everest in Australia in October. "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," Hayes said. He continued, "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 Everest, often billed as the richest sprint race in the world, will provide a new stage for Ka Ying Rising to test his abilities against the best sprinters from the Southern Hemisphere.
Hayes' decision to give the horse a short break reflects a careful management strategy designed to preserve his peak condition while allowing him to recover from a demanding campaign that has already seen him dominate the Hong Kong racing calendar. In related news, another Hong Kong legend, Romantic Warrior, timed his final surge perfectly to claim his fourth victory in the FWD Queen Elizabeth II Cup. Ridden by James McDonald, Romantic Warrior settled in the pack before making his move with a furlong and a half to go, quickly establishing a clear lead and ultimately winning by a length in a relaxed finish. The runner‑up was Masquerade Ball, who had previously edged out Calandagan by a head in the Japan Cup, while Andre Fabre’s Sosie finished a further one and a quarter lengths behind in third place.
Karl Burke’s Royal Champion completed the top four. The day also featured a strong performance from Harry Eustace’s Docklands in the FWD Champions Mile, one of three Group One contests on the card.
Docklands stayed on well in the final stages to secure third place, demonstrating consistency across multiple top‑level events. In the subsequent race, My Wish emerged from the pack to set the pace a furlong from the finish, with Docklands following closely. My Wish held on to beat the fast‑finishing Cap Ferrat, who managed to close the gap but fell short by half a length.
Docklands' jockey Mark Zahra praised his 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 results highlight the depth and excitement of Hong Kong's racing scene, where local champions like Ka Ying Rising and Romantic Warrior continue to captivate fans with their speed, stamina, and tactical brilliance. The city’s racing calendar remains packed with high‑stakes contests that attract international talent, and the upcoming Everest will add another chapter to Ka Ying Rising's remarkable story. For enthusiasts who want to stay up‑to‑date with the latest developments, race analyses, interviews, and feature stories, the Sky Sports Racing app offers a comprehensive platform to follow every twist and turn of the sport.
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