Ka Ying Rising has once again confirmed his place at the pinnacle of sprint racing 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 a full ride from his regular jockey Zac Purton, delivered a performance that shattered the existing track record on the Hong Kong circuit, finishing a commanding four and a quarter lengths ahead of his competitors.
The field included notable international talent, such as Japan’s multiple Group One winner and Royal Ascot runner‑up Satono Reve, who managed second place, while Irish‑trained Comanche Brave, under the guidance of Donnacha O'Brien, rounded out the placings in fifth out of eight runners. Trained by the veteran David Hayes, Ka Ying Rising was completing the Hong Kong Speed Series for the second consecutive year, having previously secured victories in both the Centenary Sprint Cup and the Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup. Hayes, who announced that the champion will now receive a brief 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 went on to say, "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." This high praise underscores the rarity of a sprinter who can combine raw speed with the durability to maintain a winning streak of this magnitude. The Chairman's Sprint Prize win also highlighted the depth of Hong Kong’s sprinting talent.
Romantic Warrior, another local legend, timed his run perfectly to claim his fourth FWD QEII Cup, demonstrating the strength of the domestic stable. Ridden by James McDonald, Romantic Warrior was held back in the early stages, then surged forward with a furlong and a half to go, pulling away to win by a comfortable length.
In the same meeting, Japan’s Masquerade Ball, who had previously edged out Calandagan by a head in the Japan Cup, displayed a strong finish to take second place. Andre Fabre’s Sosie followed a further one and a quarter lengths back in third, while Karl Burke’s Royal Champion rounded out the top four. The day’s third Group One, the FWD Champions Mile, saw Harry Eustace’s Docklands hold his form to finish third, adding another solid performance to his record.
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 on, edging out the fast‑finishing Cap Ferrat, who had surged late to challenge Docklands but fell short by half a length. Docklands’ jockey Mark Zahra praised the horse’s tactical ride: "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." Zahra’s comments reflect the importance of pace management in elite sprint races, where a well‑timed acceleration can be the difference between victory and a place finish. Ka Ying Rising’s 20‑win streak is not merely a statistical curiosity; it represents a benchmark for sprinters worldwide. Maintaining such a level of performance across different tracks, distances, and competition levels requires exceptional physical conditioning, mental toughness, and a partnership between horse, trainer, and jockey that is rarely seen. The horse’s ability to repeatedly break track records suggests a combination of innate speed and a training regimen that optimises his explosive power while preserving his health.
Looking ahead, the focus will shift to The Everest, Australia’s richest sprint race, where Ka Ying Rising will aim to defend his title against an international field of elite sprinters. The preparation period will likely involve targeted workouts to sharpen his turn of foot, as well as strategic rest to ensure he arrives at the Australian track fresh and ready to repeat his record‑breaking form.
For racing enthusiasts, the ongoing narrative of Ka Ying Rising serves as a reminder of why sprint racing captivates fans: the sheer speed, the tactical nuance, and the drama of a horse that can dominate week after week. As the season progresses, followers can expect more thrilling performances, insightful commentary from seasoned trainers like David Hayes, and the ever‑present possibility of new records being set on the world’s premier racing venues. Stay updated with the latest horse racing news, interviews, and in‑depth features by following dedicated racing platforms and mobile apps, ensuring you never miss a moment of the sport’s excitement.