Ka Ying Rising has once again affirmed his place at the pinnacle of global sprint racing by stretching his unbeaten run to an impressive twenty victories, a feat he secured with a dominant performance in the Chairman’s Sprint Prize at Sha Tin. The local superstar, despite not being fully urged on by his regular jockey Zac Purton, shattered the Sha Tin track record once more, finishing a remarkable four and a quarter lengths ahead of his hard‑working rivals.
Among the field, multiple Japanese Group One winner and Royal Ascot runner‑up Satono Reve managed to hold second place, while Donnacha O'Brien’s Irish‑bred Comanche Brave rounded out the placings in fifth out of eight starters. Trained by the veteran David Hayes, Ka Ying Rising was completing the Hong Kong Speed Series for the second consecutive year, having previously claimed victory in both the Centenary Sprint Cup and the Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup. Hayes, who announced that the champion will now enjoy a brief spell of 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 continued, "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." His remarks underline the rarity of a sprinter who can combine blistering speed with such a sustained level of performance across multiple seasons. The Chairman’s Sprint Prize win also highlighted the depth of talent on the Hong Kong racing circuit.
While Ka Ying Rising was the clear star, Satono Reve’s second‑place finish demonstrated the competitive edge of Japanese‑trained horses in international sprints. Comanche Brave, representing Irish training, showed promise despite finishing fifth, suggesting that the field was far from weak. Beyond the headline performance, the meeting featured other notable achievements.
Romantic Warrior, another Hong Kong legend, timed his run to perfection and captured his fourth FWD QEII Cup. Ridden by James McDonald, the veteran gelding settled in the pack before making a decisive move with a furlong and a half left, ultimately pulling clear to win by a comfortable length.
In the same race, Masquerade Ball, who had previously edged out Calandagan by a head in the Japan Cup, stayed on strongly to finish second, while Andre Fabre’s French‑trained Sosie was a further one and a quarter lengths back in third. Karl Burke’s Royal Champion rounded out the top four, confirming a high‑quality finish for the contest.
The day’s program also included the prestigious FWD Champions Mile, one of three Group One races on the card. Harry Eustace’s Docklands delivered a solid performance, holding on to secure third place. The race unfolded dramatically in the final furlong when My Wish emerged from the pack to launch a challenge, with Docklands tracking closely behind.
My Wish managed to edge out the fast‑finishing Cap Ferrat, who had surged late to threaten Docklands, ultimately holding him off by half a length. Docklands’ jockey Mark Zahra praised the horse’s composure: "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 tactical patience often required in elite mile races, where timing the final burst can be the difference between victory and a respectable placing.
Overall, the Sha Tin meeting showcased the vitality of Hong Kong’s racing scene, with local champions like Ka Ying Rising and Romantic Warrior continuing to dominate while international contenders provided strong competition. The success of Ka Ying Rising, in particular, adds to a growing legacy that may see the sprinter remembered alongside the sport’s all‑time greats. As the horse prepares for a brief hiatus before targeting The Everest, fans and pundits alike will be watching closely to see if he can maintain his extraordinary streak on the world stage. For those who want to stay updated on the latest racing news, interviews, and in‑depth features, the Sky Sports Racing app offers real‑time coverage and analysis, ensuring that enthusiasts never miss a moment of the action.