Ka Ying Rising solidified his reputation as the pre‑eminent sprinter on the global stage by notching his twentieth consecutive win in the Chairman’s Sprint Prize at Sha Tin. The local superstar, who has become a household name among Hong Kong racing fans, once again shattered the track record at the Sha Tin circuit, finishing a commanding four and a quarter lengths ahead of his nearest rivals. While his regular jockey Zac Purton did not request a full‑scale ride, the horse’s performance was nevertheless flawless, demonstrating the kind of effortless speed that has come to define his career. In the finishing order, multiple‑Group One winner from Japan, Satono Reve – who also placed second at the prestigious Royal Ascot – proved to be the best of the rest, securing second place.
The Irish‑trained Comanche Brave, under the guidance of Donnacha O'Brien, rounded out the field in fifth position out of eight starters, showing that even the less‑favoured entrants were unable to match Ka Ying Rising’s blistering pace. Trained by the veteran David Hayes, Ka Ying Rising completed the Hong Kong Speed Series for the second consecutive year, having previously triumphed in both the Centenary Sprint Cup and the Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup. Hayes, who confirmed that the champion will now be given a brief respite before being aimed at 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." 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." These remarks underscore the magnitude of Ka Ying Rising’s impact on the sport, placing him alongside legendary sprinters who have dominated both domestic and international circuits. Beyond Ka Ying Rising’s triumph, the card featured another Hong Kong star, Romantic Warrior, who timed his final surge perfectly to secure a fourth victory in the FWD QEII Cup. Ridden by James McDonald, Romantic Warrior was settled in the pack before moving forward a furlong and a half from the finish, then taking command and winning comfortably by a length. The race highlighted his tactical versatility and his ability to accelerate at the most crucial moment.
In second place, Japan’s Masquerade Ball, who narrowly beat Calandagan in the Japan Cup by a head, held on strongly to finish runner‑up. Andre Fabre’s Sosie was a further one and a quarter lengths back in third, while Karl Burke’s Royal Champion completed the top four.
The performance of these internationally‑trained horses added depth to the field and illustrated the high calibre of competition present at Hong Kong’s premier sprint meetings. The middle card featured Harry Eustace’s Docklands, who delivered a respectable third‑place finish in the FWD Champions Mile, one of three Group One races on the day.
Docklands, under jockey Mark Zahra, displayed a steady and composed run, staying on well to secure his place on the podium. Zahra praised the horse’s effort, stating, "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." The final race of the meeting saw My Wish break free from the pack a furlong out, launching a challenge that saw Docklands follow closely behind.
My Wish managed to edge out the fast‑finishing Cap Ferrat, who had been closing rapidly on Docklands in the home stretch, ultimately holding him off by half a length. The finish underscored the tactical nous of the jockeys and the stamina of the sprinters in a tightly contested finish. Overall, the day’s events reinforced Hong Kong’s status as a global hub for elite sprint racing.
Ka Ying Rising’s record‑breaking performance, combined with the strong showings from Romantic Warrior, Masquerade Ball, and the other Group One contenders, provided racing enthusiasts with a compelling narrative of dominance, strategy, and international competition. Fans are encouraged to stay connected for the latest updates, interviews, and in‑depth features on the sport by following Sky Sports Racing’s mobile platforms, ensuring they never miss a moment of the thrilling action that defines Hong Kong racing.