The spotlight will firmly rest on Hong Kong’s finest as FWD Champions Day 2026 approaches, with Ka Ying Rising and Romantic Warrior set to lead a stellar cast on Sunday, 26 April. Widely regarded as two of the highest-rated horses in the world, the pair will headline FWD Champions Day 2026 in what promises to be a compelling international contest at Sha Tin, where prestige, legacy and elite competition converge.
A total of HK$78 million in prizemoney will be on offer across three Group 1 features: the QEII Cup (2000m), Champions Mile (1600m), and Chairman’s Sprint Prize (1200m). The meeting has drawn 38 selected runners, including 13 individual Group 1 winners, underlining the depth and quality of this year’s renewal.
Ka Ying Rising targets history in Chairman’s Sprint Prize at FWD Champions Day 2026
Few narratives are as gripping as that of Ka Ying Rising, the record-breaking sprinter who will bid for a second Chairman’s Sprint Prize while chasing a remarkable 20th consecutive victory. The David Hayes-trained star has already surpassed expectations throughout the season and now stands on the brink of eclipsing one of Hong Kong racing’s most revered milestones.
Named Hong Kong Horse of the Year for 2024/25, Ka Ying Rising also sits atop the latest global rankings. Victory would not only extend his extraordinary winning run but also secure a second Hong Kong Speed Series bonus, further cementing his place among the sport’s elite sprinters.
His familiar rival Satono Reve returns to challenge once more, alongside an accomplished field that includes recent international performers such as Native Approach and Comanche Brave, ensuring the sprint feature will demand both speed and resilience.
Romantic Warrior, meanwhile, continues to redefine excellence in middle-distance racing. The multiple Group 1 winner holds the record for career earnings by a Hong Kong-trained horse and will attempt to become the first four-time winner of the QEII Cup, having triumphed in 2022, 2023 and 2024.
The Danny Shum-trained champion faces arguably his strongest opposition yet. Among the challengers are Masquerade Ball, Royal Champion, and Sosie, each bringing top-level credentials and recent form that suggests they will test the local hero’s dominance over the 2000m trip.
Masquerade Ball, in particular, arrives with strong international form, having finished second in a prestigious 2400m contest in Japan last season, while Royal Champion has impressed with a notable Group 1 success earlier this year. Their presence ensures the QEII Cup will be a true examination of class and stamina.
The Champions Mile also presents a fascinating clash between established local stars and emerging international talent. Voyage Bubble, Red Lion and Lucky Sweynesse will defend home honours against overseas contenders such as Jantar Mantar, a multiple Group 1-winning miler seeking to enhance his growing reputation on the global stage.
Adding further intrigue are rising four-year-olds like Invincible Ibis, whose recent success has marked him as one to watch among the new generation stepping into elite company.
Across all three races, the blend of proven champions and ambitious challengers reflects the global stature of the event. With international participation at a high and local stars in peak condition, the stage is set for a memorable renewal at Sha Tin.
As anticipation builds, FWD Champions Day 2026 promises not just competition, but moments that could shape the sport’s narrative for years to come.
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