Ka Ying Rising stamped his authority on Sha Tin once more on Sunday, 25 January, delivering a performance that placed him firmly alongside Hong Kong racing’s most celebrated champions. His commanding victory in the Group 1 Centenary Sprint Cup not only thrilled a packed grandstand but also reignited discussion about just how far the exceptional sprinter’s brilliance might yet stretch.
Ka Ying Rising’s success marked his 17th consecutive win, bringing him level with Silent Witness’ legendary sequence achieved between 2002 and 2005. Yet for Hayes, the achievement felt less like a destination and more like a stepping stone, with the HK$13 million Group 1 Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup over 1400 metres on 22 February now firmly in his sights.
Hayes believes the four-year-old is better equipped than ever to stretch his brilliance beyond sprinting limits and threaten Sha Tin’s long-standing 1400-metre course record of 1 minute 19.92 seconds, jointly held by Encouraging and Packing Hermod.
“Last year, he worked a bit and won it, and I think he’s a stronger, better horse this year,” Hayes said. “I think he will handle the 1400 metres beautifully. It’s another dimension for him, and I’m really excited about what’s next.”
Ka Ying Rising came within touching distance of the benchmark last season when stopping the clock at 1 minute 20.33 seconds in the Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup, ridden by Karis Teetan in the absence of Zac Purton. Hayes feels the gelding’s physical development since then makes a serious record attempt entirely plausible, should conditions fall his way.
Sunday’s Centenary Sprint Cup win itself was delivered with authority and restraint in equal measure. Ka Ying Rising completed the 1200 metres in 1 minute 7.66 seconds, slightly outside his own Sha Tin track record of 1 minute 7.20 seconds, despite being eased late once the contest was beyond doubt.
After a moderate beginning, Ka Ying Rising quickly gathered momentum to hold a prominent position before Beauty Waves crossed to lead. With rivals poised on his outside, Purton ensured clear running before releasing Ka Ying Rising from the 300-metre mark. The response was immediate and decisive.
Opening up a commanding four-length advantage, the gelding had the race under complete control well before the finish. Purton visibly steadied him over the final 200 metres, where Ka Ying Rising still reeled off a comfortable closing sectional of 11.47 seconds.
“The winning margin might not look huge, but Zac has probably never eased him down that much,” Hayes explained. “He had a very easy last 200 metres and dominated from the moment he was let go.”
At the line, Ka Ying Rising defeated Helios Express by one and a quarter lengths, with Fast Network finishing a further two lengths back in third. The victory pushed his career record to 18 wins from 20 starts, and he remains unbeaten since 12 February 2024, having amassed HK$129.8 million in prizemoney.
For Purton, the success carried added resonance. It marked his fourth victory in the Centenary Sprint Cup, following earlier wins aboard Aerovelocity in 2016 and Lucky Sweynesse in 2023, as well as Ka Ying Rising himself last season.
“What can you say? We’ve said it all with this horse,” Purton reflected. “I just needed him in a rhythm. It didn’t feel like he was going that fast early, but he’s just a different class altogether.”
Purton admitted that matching Silent Witness’ winning streak once seemed unthinkable. “It’s very rare what Silent Witness did, and now Ka Ying Rising has done it too. Hopefully he can keep building his own legacy.”
Among those chasing in vain, Hugh Bowman summed up the challenge faced by Ka Ying Rising’s rivals. “Another sound, consistent performance from our horse,” said the Helios Express rider. “But whether the pace is slow or fast, you’re always chasing that one.”
The Centenary Sprint Cup served as the opening leg of the Hong Kong Speed Series, which continues with the Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup before concluding with the Group 1 Chairman’s Sprint Prize over 1200 metres at Sha Tin on 26 April.
Hong Kong racing resumes at Happy Valley on Wednesday, 28 January.
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