Ka Ying Rising once again affirmed his position as the pre‑eminent sprinter on the global stage by adding a twentieth consecutive win to his record, triumphing in the Chairman’s Sprint Prize at Sha Tin. The local superstar, riding under the guidance of veteran jockey Zac Purton, delivered a performance that eclipsed expectations, slicing through the competition and resetting the Sha Tin track record while finishing four and a quarter lengths ahead of his nearest challenger.
The runner‑up, Satono Reve—a multiple Japanese Group One victor and former Royal Ascot runner‑up—proved to be the best of the rest, holding second place. Donnacha O’Brien’s Irish‑bred Comanche Brave rounded out the field in fifth position among eight starters, underscoring the depth of talent assembled for the event. Trained by the renowned 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 announced that the champion will now be given a brief respite before the team turns its attention to defending the Everest title in Australia this 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. 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 was just one highlight of a card that featured several other notable performances.
Romantic Warrior, another Hong Kong legend, timed his run perfectly to secure a fourth victory in the FWD Queen Elizabeth II Cup. Ridden by James McDonald, the veteran sprinter settled at the rear of the pack before making a decisive move with a furlong and a half to go, ultimately pulling away to win by a length.
In the same race, Japan Cup winner Masquerade Ball, who had previously edged Calandagan by a head, displayed a strong finish to claim second place. Andre Fabre’s Sosie finished third, a length and a quarter behind, followed by Karl Burke’s Royal Champion in fourth. The FWD Champions Mile, the third Group One on the day, saw Harry Eustace’s Docklands hold his own against a high‑class field, finishing a respectable third.
The race unfolded dramatically as My Wish emerged from the pack a furlong out, setting a brisk pace that forced the other contenders to respond. Docklands tracked closely behind, and in the final strides My Wish managed to edge out the fast‑finishing Cap Ferrat, who had surged late to challenge for the win. Cap Ferrat held Docklands off by just half a length, leaving Docklands in a narrow second‑place finish.
Docklands’ jockey Mark Zahra praised his mount after the effort: "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 highlighted the tactical patience that often distinguishes top‑class sprinters in tightly contested races.
Ka Ying Rising’s continued dominance has sparked conversations across the racing community about his place in history. Analysts point to his flawless record, his ability to break track records, and his consistency over a range of distances as evidence of a truly exceptional athlete. The horse’s versatility—showing both blistering speed out of the gate and the stamina to sustain a strong finish—makes him a rare specimen in modern thoroughbred racing. Beyond the immediate accolades, Ka Ying Rising’s success has broader implications for Hong Kong racing.
His performances draw international attention, encouraging greater investment in local breeding programs and attracting top trainers from abroad. Moreover, his upcoming campaign in the Everest—a race renowned for its massive purse and global prestige—offers an opportunity for the Hong Kong star to showcase his talent on an even larger stage, potentially cementing his legacy as a world‑class champion.
Fans and bettors alike have been captivated by the horse’s narrative. From his early days on the track to his current status as a record‑breaking phenomenon, Ka Ying Rising embodies the excitement and drama that make horse racing a beloved sport worldwide. As the season progresses, enthusiasts will be watching closely to see whether the champion can maintain his unbeaten streak and continue to rewrite the record books. For those who want to stay updated on the latest developments, interviews, and in‑depth features, Sky Sports Racing provides comprehensive coverage across multiple platforms.
Whether you follow the sport on your phone, tablet, or desktop, you can access real‑time news, expert analysis, and exclusive behind‑the‑scenes content that brings you closer to the action. In summary, Ka Ying Rising’s twentieth consecutive victory not only underscores his extraordinary talent but also highlights the strength of Hong Kong’s racing circuit. With a strategic break ahead and a major international target on the horizon, the champion is poised to continue his remarkable journey, inspiring fans and fellow competitors alike.