Ka Ying Rising has solidified his reputation 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 Racecourse. The local star, partnered this time by a different rider rather than his usual jockey Zac Purton, once again shattered the Sha Tin track record, crossing the finish line a commanding four and a quarter lengths ahead of his nearest competitors.
Among the field, the multiple Japanese Group One victor and Royal Ascot runner‑up Satono Reve managed to secure second place, while Donnacha O'Brien’s Irish‑bred challenger Comanche Brave finished fifth out of eight starters. Trained by the veteran David Hayes, Ka Ying Rising was completing the Hong Kong Speed Series for the second straight year, having previously captured the Centenary Sprint Cup and the Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup. Hayes confirmed that the champion will now be given a brief respite before being aimed at defending his title in Australia’s prestigious Everest race in 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 after the race. 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 victory was not the only highlight on a packed card of top‑class races at Sha Tin. Another Hong Kong legend, Romantic Warrior, timed his final surge perfectly to claim his fourth FWD QEII Cup win. Ridden by James McDonald, the veteran gelding was settled in the pack before making a decisive move with a furlong and a half to go, then extending his lead to win comfortably by a length.
In the same race, Masquerade Ball, who had narrowly edged Calandagan in the Japan Cup, produced a strong finish to take second place. Andre Fabre’s French‑trained Sosie was another length and a quarter behind, while Karl Burke’s Royal Champion rounded out the top four. The day’s program also featured three Group One contests, including the FWD Champions Mile.
Harry Eustace’s Docklands, despite not being among the pre‑race favorites, delivered a solid performance to finish third, staying on well in a tightly contested finish. Later, the action shifted to the final sprint of the meeting.
With a furlong remaining, My Wish broke free from the pack to launch a challenge, closely followed by Docklands. My Wish held on just enough to edge out the fast‑finishing Cap Ferrat, who had surged late to close the gap, ultimately finishing half a length behind.
Docklands’ jockey Mark Zahra praised his mount, saying, "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." Ka Ying Rising’s unprecedented streak of twenty wins places him in an elite echelon of sprinters, a feat rarely seen in modern thoroughbred racing. His ability to consistently produce blistering times while carrying high ratings underscores a combination of natural speed, sound training, and meticulous race planning.
Hayes’ decision to give the horse a short break before targeting the Everest reflects a strategic approach to preserving the horse’s longevity and peak performance for the most demanding international contests. The Everest, held at Sydney’s Randwick Racecourse, offers a staggering purse of AUD 15 million, making it the richest turf race in the world.
Ka Ying Rising’s participation will attract global attention, as fans and analysts alike will be eager to see whether the Hong Kong champion can translate his dominance on the Asian circuit to Australian soil, where track conditions, climate, and competition differ markedly. Beyond the headline performances, the meeting highlighted the depth of talent present in Hong Kong racing. Romantic Warrior’s fourth QEII Cup win demonstrates the staying power of seasoned campaigners, while the strong showing from Japanese imports like Satono Reve and the Irish‑trained Comanche Brave illustrates the international appeal of the Sha Tin venue. The diverse field of trainers, jockeys, and owners underscores Hong Kong’s status as a crossroads for elite thoroughbred competition.
For racing enthusiasts who wish to stay abreast of the latest developments, Sky Sports Racing continues to provide comprehensive coverage, including live race replays, expert analysis, and in‑depth interviews with trainers, jockeys, and industry insiders. Their platform offers a convenient way to follow the sport on mobile devices, ensuring fans never miss a story from the world of horse racing.
In summary, Ka Ying Rising’s twentieth consecutive win not only cements his legacy as a world‑class sprinter but also sets the stage for an exciting campaign abroad. With a strategic rest period ahead and the Everest on the horizon, the racing community will be watching closely to see how this remarkable horse continues to write history.