Ka Ying Rising has once again affirmed his place at the pinnacle of global sprinting by securing his twentieth consecutive win, this time triumphing in the Chairman's Sprint Prize at Sha Tin. The local superstar, who continues to dominate under the guidance of trainer David Hayes, not only won but also shattered the Sha Tin track record, finishing a remarkable four and a quarter lengths ahead of his nearest competitors. Although his regular jockey, Zac Purton, did not ride him for the entire race, Ka Ying Rising proved his class by delivering a performance that left the field in his wake. Satono Reve, a multiple Japanese Group One victor and former Royal Ascot runner‑up, managed to hold on for second place, while Donnacha O'Brien’s Irish‑bred Comanche Brave rounded out the field in fifth out of eight runners.
This victory marks the culmination of the Hong Kong Speed Series for a second consecutive year. In the previous two legs, Ka Ying Rising captured the Centenary Sprint Cup and the Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup, showcasing his versatility across different distances and track conditions. Hayes, who confirmed that the champion will now receive a brief spell before targeting a defense of his Everest title in Australia this October, reflected on the horse’s extraordinary achievements.
"You tend to worry that you are going to let everyone down," Hayes said. "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.
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." Ka Ying Rising’s dominance is not confined to Hong Kong. His speed figures have consistently placed him among the elite sprinters worldwide, and his ability to produce a swift, clean run from any position in the field makes him a nightmare for rivals. The record‑breaking run at Sha Tin added another chapter to his growing legend and set a new benchmark for future contenders.
In addition to Ka Ying Rising’s feat, the card featured another Hong Kong star, Romantic Warrior, who timed his final surge perfectly to claim his fourth FWD QEII Cup victory. Guided by James McDonald, Romantic Warrior was settled in the pack before making a decisive move with a furlong and a half to go. He seized the lead and eased away, winning by a length. Masquerade Ball, who had only edged out Calandagan in the Japan Cup by a head, produced a strong finish to secure second place.
Andre Fabre’s Sosie trailed a further one and a quarter lengths behind 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 own against a world‑class field, finishing a respectable third. The race’s climax unfolded a furlong from the finish when My Wish broke free from the pack to launch a challenge, with Docklands following closely behind. My Wish managed to hold on, edging out the fast‑finishing Cap Ferrat, who had surged late to challenge Docklands, ultimately finishing half a length behind.
Docklands’ jockey Mark Zahra praised his mount after the run: "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." These performances underscore the depth and excitement of Hong Kong racing, where local champions like Ka Ying Rising and Romantic Warrior continue to capture the imagination of fans worldwide.
The city’s racing calendar remains packed with high‑stakes contests, and the upcoming Everest campaign promises to add another layer of intrigue to Ka Ying Rising’s already storied career. For enthusiasts who want to stay up‑to‑date with the latest developments, Sky Sports Racing offers comprehensive coverage, including race replays, expert analysis, and exclusive interviews with trainers, jockeys, and owners. Whether you’re following the sprint circuit or the middle‑distance classics, the platform provides a one‑stop source for all things horse racing.
In summary, Ka Ying Rising’s twentieth straight win not only cements his reputation as the pre‑eminent sprinter of his generation but also sets the stage for an ambitious international campaign. With a record‑breaking run behind him and a seasoned trainer confident in his abilities, the horse is poised to take on new challenges abroad while continuing to dominate the Hong Kong scene.
The racing community will be watching closely as Ka Ying Rising prepares for his next chapter, eager to see whether he can add further accolades to an already remarkable résumé.