Ka Ying Rising has once again confirmed his place at the pinnacle of global sprint racing by stretching his unbeaten run to an impressive twenty victories, a feat he achieved with a decisive win in the Chairman’s Sprint Prize at Sha Tin. The local star, who continues to dominate the Hong Kong racing scene, delivered a performance that not only secured the win but also saw him shatter the track record for the circuit, finishing a remarkable four and a quarter lengths ahead of his nearest challenger. Although his regular jockey, Zac Purton, did not have a full ride on the horse for this particular outing, the partnership still managed to produce a flawless execution. The field included a strong contingent of international talent, yet none could match the sheer speed and efficiency displayed by Ka Ying Rising.
Among the runners, Japan’s multiple Group One victor and Royal Ascot runner‑up Satono Reve managed to hold onto second place, while Donnacha O'Brien’s Irish‑bred Comanche Brave rounded out the placings in fifth out of eight starters. Trained by the seasoned Australian trainer David Hayes, Ka Ying Rising was completing his second consecutive 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 sprinter will now enjoy a brief spell of rest before being aimed at the prestigious Everest in Australia later in October, reflected on the horse’s extraordinary abilities.
"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 said.
He added, "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 just one of several headline‑making performances on a card that showcased the depth of talent in Hong Kong racing.
Another local legend, Romantic Warrior, timed his run perfectly to claim his fourth FWD QEII Cup victory. Ridden by James McDonald, Romantic Warrior was held in the pack early on, but as the race approached the final furlong and a half, he began to make his move, swiftly taking command and crossing the line with a comfortable one‑length margin.
In the same race, Japan’s Masquerade Ball, who had previously edged out Calandagan by a head in the Japan Cup, displayed a strong finishing kick to secure second place. Andre Fabre’s French‑trained Sosie was another length and a quarter behind, while Karl Burke’s Royal Champion rounded out the top four.
The day also featured the FWD Champions Mile, a Group One contest that saw Harry Eustace’s Docklands finish a respectable third after a solid run in the middle of the field. The race unfolded dramatically in the final furlong when My Wish, having emerged from the pack, launched a challenge that saw Docklands follow closely behind.
My Wish managed to hold on just enough to edge out the fast‑finishing Cap Ferrat, who surged late but fell short by half a length. Docklands’ jockey Mark Zahra praised his mount, stating, "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 continued dominance has sparked conversations about his legacy in the sport. Analysts point out that his ability to consistently break track records, combined with his versatility across different distances and conditions, sets him apart from many of his contemporaries. His training regimen under Hayes emphasizes a balance of speed work and endurance, allowing the horse to maintain a high cruising speed while still possessing the burst needed for sprint finishes.
Looking ahead, the focus will shift to the Everest in Australia, where Ka Ying Rising will be tasked with defending his title against a world‑class field that includes other top sprinters from Europe, the United States, and Asia. The Everest, known for its massive purse and international prestige, will provide a new stage for the Hong Kong star to showcase his talent on a global platform. Trainers and jockeys alike are already speculating on how the horse will adapt to the different track surface and climate conditions, but confidence remains high given his proven adaptability.
Fans and bettors are encouraged to stay updated with the latest racing news, interviews, and feature stories through their mobile devices, ensuring they never miss a moment of the action. The ongoing success of horses like Ka Ying Rising and Romantic Warrior continues to elevate Hong Kong’s reputation as a premier racing hub, attracting worldwide attention and investment.
In summary, Ka Ying Rising’s twentieth consecutive win not only reinforces his status as the world’s premier sprinter but also highlights the strength of Hong Kong’s racing infrastructure, the expertise of his training team, and the strategic acumen of his connections. As the horse prepares for a well‑deserved break before targeting the Everest, the racing community eagerly anticipates the next chapter in what is already an illustrious career.