Ka Ying Rising reaffirmed his position 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 superstar, despite not being pushed to his absolute limits by regular 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 challenger. The field’s best performer after Ka Ying Rising was the multiple Japanese Group One victor and Royal Ascot runner‑up Satono Reve, who held on for second place, while Donnacha O'Brien’s Irish‑bred 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 consecutive year, having previously captured the Centenary Sprint Cup and the Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup. Hayes announced that the champion will now be given a brief spell before being aimed at defending his title in The Everest, Australia’s richest sprint, 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. 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 win was part of a packed card that also featured another Hong Kong legend, Romantic Warrior, who timed his run perfectly to secure a fourth victory in the FWD Queen Elizabeth II Cup. 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 length. Masquerade Ball, who had previously edged Calandagan by a head in the Japan Cup, produced a strong finish to take second place, while Andre Fabre’s Sosie was a further one and a quarter lengths back in third.
Karl Burke’s Royal Champion rounded out the top four. In the middle of the three Group One contests on the day, Harry Eustace’s Docklands delivered a respectable performance, staying on to finish third in the FWD Champions Mile. The race unfolded dramatically as My Wish surged from the pack with a furlong remaining, prompting Docklands to follow closely behind.
My Wish held on to edge out the fast‑finishing Cap Ferrat, who had challenged Docklands in the final strides, ultimately holding him off by half a length. 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 achievement is noteworthy not only for the sheer number of consecutive victories but also for the manner in which he continues to dominate sprint distances. Breaking a track record while winning by more than four lengths demonstrates a rare blend of speed, stamina, and tactical versatility.
His ability to perform consistently under different jockeys and varying race conditions has cemented his reputation as a modern sprinting icon. The significance of Ka Ying Rising’s streak extends beyond the immediate accolades.
In the highly competitive Hong Kong racing circuit, where the best sprinters from Japan, Europe, and Australia converge, maintaining an unbeaten run over twenty starts is an extraordinary feat. The horse’s performances have drawn comparisons to historic sprinters such as Silent Witness and Beauty Generation, both of whom left indelible marks on the sport.
Hayes’ comments highlight the rarity of such a talent, noting that even after years of training elite thoroughbreds, Ka Ying Rising stands out as one of the finest he has ever handled. Looking ahead, the upcoming Everest campaign will test Ka Ying Rising against a field of world‑class sprinters on Australian soil. The Everest, known for its massive prize purse and high‑stakes competition, will provide a platform for the Hong Kong star to showcase his abilities on a global stage once more.
Hayes’ decision to give the horse a brief rest before the Australian campaign reflects a strategic approach aimed at preserving his peak condition while avoiding over‑racing. Fans and punters alike are encouraged to stay up to date with the latest racing news, interviews, and feature stories via mobile platforms, ensuring they never miss a moment of the action. The excitement generated by Ka Ying Rising’s continued dominance, alongside other notable performances such as Romantic Warrior’s fourth QEII Cup triumph, underscores the vibrant and competitive nature of Hong Kong racing.
In summary, Ka Ying Rising’s twentieth straight win at the Chairman’s Sprint Prize not only adds another trophy to his impressive cabinet but also reinforces his status as a sprinting legend. With a track record broken, a sizable winning margin, and glowing endorsements from trainer David Hayes, the horse is poised to continue his remarkable journey, potentially adding an Everest victory to his already storied résumé.