Ka Ying Rising has once again confirmed his place at the pinnacle of global sprint racing by adding a twentieth consecutive win to his record, triumphing in the Chairman's Sprint Prize at Sha Tin. The local star, under the guidance of trainer David Hayes, delivered a performance that not only secured the victory but also shattered the existing track record at the Hong Kong circuit, finishing a commanding four and a quarter lengths ahead of his nearest rivals. Although his regular jockey Zac Purton was not aboard for this particular outing, Ka Ying Rising proved that his talent transcends any single partnership.
The field featured a strong contingent of international talent, including multiple Japanese Group One winner and Royal Ascot runner‑up Satono Reve, who managed to hold on for second place, and Donnacha O'Brien’s Irish‑trained Comanche Brave, who finished fifth out of eight starters. The sheer dominance displayed by Ka Ying Rising left little doubt about his superiority on the day.
This victory marks the culmination of Hayes’s Hong Kong Speed Series campaign for the second consecutive year. In the previous season, the same horse captured the Centenary Sprint Cup and the Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup, establishing a pattern of sustained excellence across the region’s premier sprint events. Hayes, who announced that Ka Ying Rising will now receive a brief spell of rest before being aimed at the prestigious Everest in Australia in October, reflected on the horse’s extraordinary achievements. He said, "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." These remarks underscore the rare combination of speed, consistency, and temperament that Ka Ying Rising possesses—qualities that have made him a favorite among fans and a formidable opponent for any competitor. In addition to Ka Ying Rising’s feat, the card featured another Hong Kong legend, Romantic Warrior, who timed his run perfectly to claim his fourth FWD QEII Cup victory. Ridden by James McDonald, Romantic Warrior settled in the pack before making a decisive move with a furlong and a half to go, eventually pulling away to win by a comfortable length.
The runner‑up, Masquerade Ball—who had previously edged Calandagan by a head in the Japan Cup—held on strongly, while Andre Fabre’s Sosie finished a further one and a quarter lengths back in third place. 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 deliver a solid performance, finishing third after a strong finish.
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 hold off the fast‑finishing Cap Ferrat, edging it out by half a length. Docklands’ jockey Mark Zahra praised the horse, 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." Overall, the meeting highlighted the depth and quality of Hong Kong’s sprinting talent, with Ka Ying Rising’s record‑breaking run serving as the headline act. His ability to consistently produce blistering times, break records, and dominate elite fields has sparked conversations about his place in racing history. As the season progresses, fans and pundits alike will be watching closely to see whether he can maintain his unbeaten streak and how he will fare when he travels to Australia for the Everest, a race that promises to test his speed against the world’s best sprinters on a different stage. For those who want to stay up to date with the latest racing news, interviews, and feature stories, mobile platforms now offer instant access to comprehensive coverage, ensuring that the excitement of events like the Chairman’s Sprint Prize and the FWD QEII Cup can be followed in real time.
The continued success of horses such as Ka Ying Rising and Romantic Warrior not only elevates the profile of Hong Kong racing but also provides a compelling narrative for the global racing community, illustrating how local champions can achieve worldwide acclaim through sheer talent and meticulous preparation.