Ka Ying Rising once again proved why he is regarded as the premier sprinter on the global stage, adding a 20th consecutive win to his record by triumphing in the Chairman’s Sprint Prize at Sha Tin. The local superstar, who does not always receive a full ride from his regular jockey Zac Purton, nevertheless shattered the Sha Tin track record for the distance, crossing the finish line a commanding four and a quarter lengths ahead of his nearest challenger.
Among the eight runners, the Japanese Group One victor and Royal Ascot runner‑up Satono Reve managed to hold second place, while Donnacha O'Brien’s Irish‑bred Comanche Brave could only manage fifth. Trained by the veteran David Hayes, Ka Ying Rising completed the Hong Kong Speed Series for the second straight year, having previously secured victories in the Centenary Sprint Cup and the Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup. Hayes, who announced that the champion will now be given a brief spell before being aimed at defending his title in The Everest in Australia in October, reflected on the horse’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. “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 broader night of high‑profile racing on the Hong Kong circuit, which also featured another local legend, Romantic Warrior, who timed his final surge perfectly to claim his fourth FWD QEII Cup. Ridden by James McDonald, Romantic Warrior settled in the pack before moving forward with a furlong and a half to go, then took command and eased home a length clear of his rivals.
In that same race, Masquerade Ball, best known for edging 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.
The evening’s program also included the prestigious FWD Champions Mile, where Harry Eustace’s Docklands delivered a respectable third‑place performance, staying on well in a field that featured three Group One contests. The race unfolded dramatically in the final furlong when My Wish broke free from the pack to launch a decisive challenge, with Docklands tracking closely behind. My Wish managed to hold off the fast‑closing Cap Ferrat, who surged late to finish just half a length behind, while Docklands was held up a fraction further back. Docklands’ jockey Mark Zahra praised his mount after the run: “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 dominance is not merely a product of raw speed; it is the result of meticulous conditioning, strategic race placement, and an innate competitive spirit that shines through in every finish. The horse’s ability to produce record‑breaking times while maintaining a comfortable margin over the field speaks to a rare blend of stamina and acceleration that few sprinters possess. Moreover, his versatility across different distances and track conditions has made him a favorite among trainers and punters alike.
Looking ahead, the plan to give Ka Ying Rising a brief rest before targeting The Everest—a race that offers one of the richest purses in the world—underscores the confidence his connections have in his longevity and adaptability. The Everest, run over 1,200 meters at Randwick in October, will test his speed against a deep international field, and many analysts predict that his record‑breaking form in Hong Kong will translate into a strong showing on Australian soil.
For fans who want to stay up‑to‑date with the latest developments in horse racing, Sky Sports Racing provides a continuous stream of news, interviews, and feature stories. Whether you are following the exploits of Ka Ying Rising, tracking the progress of Romantic Warrior, or analyzing the tactics of up‑and‑coming jockeys, the platform offers comprehensive coverage that brings the excitement of the sport directly to your mobile device. In summary, Ka Ying Rising’s 20‑win streak not only cements his status as a modern sprinting legend but also highlights the depth of talent present in Hong Kong’s racing scene.
His record‑breaking performance, combined with the strategic planning of trainer David Hayes, sets the stage for what promises to be an exhilarating campaign as the horse prepares for new challenges abroad. The racing community will be watching closely, eager to see whether this extraordinary champion can continue to rewrite the history books in the months and years to come.