Ka Ying Rising solidified his reputation as the premier sprinter on the global stage by adding a twentieth consecutive victory to his record, triumphing in the Chairman's Sprint Prize at Sha Tin. The local superstar, despite not receiving the full support of his regular jockey Zac Purton, once again shattered the Sha Tin track record, finishing a commanding four and a quarter lengths ahead of his rivals.
Among the challengers, Japan's multiple 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-bred Comanche Brave rounded out the field in fifth out of eight runners. Trained by the veteran David Hayes, Ka Ying Rising was completing the Hong Kong Speed Series for the second consecutive year, 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 rest before being pre‑pared for a title defence in The Everest in Australia this October, reflected on the horse's extraordinary talent: "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 victory was part of a broader night of high‑profile racing in Hong Kong, 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 making a decisive move with a furlong and a half to go, then stretched his lead to a comfortable one‑length margin at the finish.
In the same race, the Japanese challenger Masquerade Ball, who had only edged out Calandagan by a head in the Japan Cup, produced a strong finish to secure second place. Andre Fabre's internationally‑trained Sosie finished third, a further one and a quarter lengths back, followed by Karl Burke's Royal Champion in fourth. The card also included the prestigious FWD Champions Mile, where Harry Eustace's Docklands delivered a respectable performance, holding on to finish third among the three Group One contests that evening. The race unfolded dramatically a furlong from the finish when My Wish emerged from the pack to launch a late challenge, with Docklands tracking closely behind.
My Wish managed to edge out the fast‑finishing Cap Ferrat, who had surged late to close the gap, ultimately winning by a half‑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 wins but also for the quality of competition he has faced. The Chairman's Sprint Prize attracts top sprinters from across the Asia‑Pacific region, and Ka Ying Rising's ability to dominate such a field underscores his exceptional speed, acceleration, and consistency.
Breaking the track record at Sha Tin—a venue known for its fast surface and demanding straight—adds another layer of distinction to his résumé. The horse's training regimen under David Hayes has been a subject of interest among racing analysts. Hayes, a Hall of Fame trainer with a career spanning decades, has emphasized the importance of balancing intense speed work with adequate recovery periods. This approach appears to have paid dividends, as Ka Ying Rising has shown little signs of fatigue despite the grueling schedule of high‑stakes sprints.
Hayes' decision to give the horse a brief hiatus before targeting The Everest—a race that offers one of the richest purses in the world—reflects a strategic plan to preserve the horse's peak condition while maximizing his earning potential. Looking ahead, Ka Ying Rising's upcoming campaign in Australia will be closely watched by fans and pundits alike. The Everest, held at Randwick Racecourse in October, pits the world's fastest sprinters against each other over 1,200 metres, and Ka Ying Rising's proven ability to dominate over similar distances makes him a formidable contender. If he can replicate his Hong Kong form, he could add another historic chapter to his already impressive legacy.
Beyond the track, Ka Ying Rising's success has had a ripple effect on the Hong Kong racing industry. His victories have drawn increased media attention, boosted betting turnover, and heightened interest from international owners seeking to acquire or partner with top‑class sprinters. Moreover, his performances have inspired a new generation of jockeys and trainers in the region, showcasing what can be achieved with meticulous preparation, strategic race placement, and a horse of exceptional talent. In summary, Ka Ying Rising's twentieth straight win in the Chairman's Sprint Prize not only cements his status as a modern sprinting legend but also sets the stage for an exciting international campaign.
With a record‑breaking run, a supportive training team, and a clear roadmap toward The Everest, the horse is poised to continue rewriting the history books and delighting racing enthusiasts worldwide.