Ka Ying Rising further solidified his reputation as the premier sprinter on the global stage by notching his 20th consecutive win in the Chairman's Sprint Prize at Sha Tin. The local superstar, despite not receiving a full ride from his regular jockey Zac Purton, once again shattered the Sha Tin track record, crossing the finish line a decisive four and a quarter lengths ahead of his competitors. The field was highlighted by multiple Japanese Group One winner and Royal Ascot runner-up Satono Reve, who finished a respectable second, while Donnacha O'Brien's Irish contender Comanche Brave came home fifth out of eight runners.
Trained by David Hayes, Ka Ying Rising completed his second consecutive Hong Kong Speed Series triumph, having previously secured victories in the Centenary Sprint Cup and the Queen's Silver Jubilee Cup. Hayes, who announced that the horse will now enjoy a brief spell of rest before being prepared for a title defence in The Everest in Australia this October, reflected on the horse's extraordinary achievements: "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. 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 win was part of a spectacular day of racing that also featured another Hong Kong legend, Romantic Warrior, who timed his final surge perfectly to claim his fourth FWD QEII Cup title. Ridden by James McDonald, Romantic Warrior settled in the pack before moving forward with a furlong and a half to go, then taking command and winning comfortably by a length. In the same meeting, Masquerade Ball, who had previously edged Calandagan by a head in the Japan Cup, produced a strong finish to secure second place.
Andre Fabre's Sosie was a further one and a quarter lengths back in third, while Karl Burke's Royal Champion rounded out the top four. Harry Eustace's Docklands also delivered a solid performance, holding on to finish third in the FWD Champions Mile, one of three Group One contests on the card. The race unfolded dramatically in the final furlong when My Wish broke from the pack to launch a challenge, with Docklands following closely behind.
My Wish managed to stay ahead, edging out the fast‑finishing Cap Ferrat, which had surged late to close the gap, ultimately finishing half a length behind. Docklands' jockey Mark 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." Ka Ying Rising's 20‑win streak places him among an elite group of sprinters who have demonstrated sustained dominance over multiple seasons.
His ability to consistently break track records, adapt to different race conditions, and maintain a high cruising speed has drawn comparisons to historic greats such as Black Caviar and Winx, though his specialty lies in the sprint distances rather than middle distances. Analysts note that his versatility—winning over distances ranging from 1,000 to 1,200 metres—combined with a calm yet powerful demeanor in the starting gates, makes him a formidable opponent for any rival. Looking ahead, the decision to give Ka Ying Rising a brief lay‑off before targeting The Everest reflects a strategic approach to preserving his peak condition.
The Everest, held at Randwick Racecourse in Sydney, offers a massive purse and attracts the world's top sprinters. Hayes' plan is to fine‑tune the horse's fitness, ensuring he arrives in Australia fresh and ready to contest the $15 million prize. Fans and punters alike will be watching his preparation closely, as the horse's form line suggests he could rewrite the record books in the Southern Hemisphere as well. In addition to the Everest, potential engagements in the Hong Kong International Sprint and the Hong Kong Sprint later in the season could further augment his already impressive résumé.
Beyond the track, Ka Ying Rising's success has sparked increased interest in Hong Kong's sprinting program, encouraging owners to invest in high‑quality bloodlines and training facilities. The horse's partnership with jockey Zac Purton, despite the occasional change in rider, underscores the importance of a strong rapport between horse and jockey, a factor that has often been cited as a key element in achieving consistent top‑level performance.
The day's racing action also highlighted the depth of talent in the region, with multiple Group One races delivering thrilling finishes and showcasing both local and international contenders. The Chairman's Sprint Prize, the FWD QEII Cup, and the FWD Champions Mile collectively offered a showcase of speed, stamina, and tactical riding, reinforcing Hong Kong's status as a premier destination for world‑class thoroughbred racing. For enthusiasts who want to stay up‑to‑date with the latest developments, Sky Sports Racing continues to provide comprehensive coverage, including race replays, expert analysis, and behind‑the‑scenes interviews with trainers, jockeys, and owners.
Their platform ensures that fans can follow Ka Ying Rising's journey from Sha Tin to Sydney and beyond, keeping the excitement of his remarkable winning streak alive for audiences worldwide.