Ka Ying Rising solidified his reputation as the planet's premier sprinter by adding a twentieth consecutive win to his record, triumphing in the Chairman's Sprint Prize at Sha Tin. Even without the full tactical guidance of his regular jockey Zac Purton, the local star once again shattered the Sha Tin track record, finishing a commanding four and a quarter lengths ahead of his struggling rivals. Among the challengers, multiple Japanese Group One winner and Royal Ascot runner‑up Satono Reve managed the best of the rest by taking second place, while Donnacha O'Brien’s Irish import Comanche Brave rounded out the field in fifth out of eight runners.
Trained by 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, who announced that the horse will now be given a brief spell before being aimed at defending his title in The Everest in Australia in October, reflected on the colt’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 reverence underscores how Ka Ying Rising has become a benchmark for speed, durability, and class in modern sprint racing. The Chairman's Sprint Prize win was part of a broader night of Hong Kong racing excellence. Another local legend, Romantic Warrior, timed his run perfectly to secure a fourth victory in the FWD QEII Cup.
Ridden by James McDonald, the veteran sprinter settled at the rear of the pack before making his move with a furlong and a half remaining, then surged forward to win comfortably by a length. In the same meeting, Masquerade Ball, who had previously edged Calandagan by a head in the Japan Cup, displayed a strong finishing kick to claim 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.
The day also featured three Group One contests, and Harry Eustace’s Docklands proved his worth by finishing third in the FWD Champions Mile, holding his form amidst a high‑class field. Later, the race for the FWD Champions Mile unfolded dramatically: My Wish broke from the pack to launch a late challenge, with Docklands tracking closely behind. In the final strides, My Wish managed to hold off the fast‑finishing Cap Ferrat, edging the French‑trained runner 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 raw number of wins but also for the quality of competition he has faced.
The Chairman's Sprint Prize attracts top sprinters from across Asia, Europe, and Australasia, and Ka Ying Rising's ability to dominate such a deep field underscores his versatility and tactical adaptability. His record‑breaking time at Sha Tin, a circuit known for its firm turf and swift pace, further cements his status as a speed specialist capable of delivering under pressure.
Looking ahead, Hayes’ decision to give the horse a short rest before targeting The Everest—a race that offers one of the richest purses in the world—suggests a carefully managed campaign aimed at preserving the colt’s longevity while maximizing his earning potential. The Everest, run over 1,200 meters at Randwick in October, will pit Ka Ying Rising against the best sprinters from the Southern Hemisphere, providing a global stage for his talents. Fans and punters alike will be watching closely, as the horse’s continued success could reshape breeding trends, with breeders seeking to replicate his blend of speed, stamina, and temperament. Moreover, his partnership with jockeys like Zac Purton and the occasional substitute demonstrates the importance of rider‑horse chemistry in achieving peak performance.
In summary, Ka Ying Rising’s twentieth straight victory not only extends his personal winning streak but also highlights the strength of Hong Kong’s sprinting program, the expertise of trainer David Hayes, and the strategic planning that goes into maintaining a world‑class racehorse. As the season progresses, the racing community will eagerly anticipate his next appearance, whether it be back on Hong Kong’s fast‑paced tracks or on the grand stage of The Everest in Australia.