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 superstar, despite not being asked to give his all by regular jockey Zac Purton, still managed to smash the Sha Tin track record, finishing a remarkable four and a quarter lengths ahead of his struggling rivals. The field was highlighted by multiple Japanese Group One winner and Royal Ascot runner‑up Satono Reve, who proved the best of the rest by finishing second, 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 completed 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 spell 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." The trainer's words underline the rarity of a sprinter who can dominate across different circuits, distances and conditions with such regularity. The Chairman's Sprint Prize itself is a key fixture in the Hong Kong racing calendar, attracting top‑class sprinters from around the world. Ka Ying Rising's performance not only reaffirmed his dominance on home soil but also sent a clear message to international rivals that his speed and resilience remain unmatched.
His ability to produce a record‑breaking time while still winning comfortably suggests that the horse still has untapped potential, especially as he looks ahead to the upcoming Everest, a race that demands both raw speed and tactical versatility. Beyond Ka Ying Rising, the card featured several other noteworthy performances. Romantic Warrior, another Hong Kong star, timed his run perfectly to capture his fourth FWD QEII Cup. Held in the pack by jockey James McDonald, the gelding made his move with a furlong and a half to go, seized the lead and eased home by a length, demonstrating the same blend of stamina and acceleration that has made him a fan favourite.
In the same race, Masquerade Ball, who had previously edged Calandagan by a head in the Japan Cup, stayed on strongly to finish second, while Andre Fabre’s Sosie was a further one and a quarter lengths back in third place. Karl Burke’s Royal Champion completed the top four, showcasing the depth of talent present in the field. The middle card featured the FWD Champions Mile, one of the three Group One contests that day.
Harry Eustace’s Docklands, under the guidance of jockey Mark Zahra, delivered a solid third‑place finish, staying on well in a competitive field. Earlier in the race, My Wish emerged from the pack to set the tempo, with Docklands tracking closely behind. In the final furlong, My Wish held on to beat the fast‑finishing Cap Ferrat, who surged late to finish half a length behind. Zahra praised his mount after the race: "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." His comments highlight the importance of a well‑judged pace in sprint races, where a premature burst can leave a horse exhausted before the finish line. Overall, the meeting underscored Hong Kong’s status as a global hub for elite sprint racing. Ka Ying Rising’s record‑breaking run, combined with strong showings from Romantic Warrior, Masquerade Ball and the other Group One contenders, provided fans with a thrilling showcase of speed, strategy and sheer athleticism. As the season progresses, the focus will shift to upcoming international challenges, particularly The Everest, where Ka Ying Rising will aim to add an Australian crown to his already impressive résumé.
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