The atmosphere at Sha Tin on Sunday was less about the heat of competition and more about the witnessing of a sporting miracle. David Hayes had promised something special, but few expected the sheer clinical destruction that followed. Ka Ying Rising did not just win the HK$13 million G1 Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup (1400m); he rewrote the history books, dismantling a high-quality field to claim his 18th successive victory.
In doing so, the five-year-old eclipsed the legendary Silent Witness’s long-standing mark of 17 wins, a record many thought would stand for generations. But records are merely milestones for a horse of this caliber. Stopping the clock at a staggering 1m 19.36s, he shaved over half a second off the previous course record, leaving seasoned observers in awe of his effortless power.
A Record-Breaking Performance in the Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup
Jockey Zac Purton, who has partnered some of the greatest names to ever grace the turf, admitted that the instructions from Hayes were clear: don’t just win, break the record. Purton obliged with a ride of supreme confidence. Sitting second behind Copartner Prance after a clean jump from barrier three, the champion sprinter looked like a coiled spring.
When Purton finally gave him his head, the response was electric. Ka Ying Rising clocked a blistering 43.96s for the final 800m, leaving Helios Express and Lucky Sweynesse to battle for the minor placings, three-and-a-half lengths in his wake. It wasn’t a race; it was a coronation.
“He’s the horse of a lifetime,” Purton remarked, still shaking his head at the ease of the victory. “He’s in a league of his own. I’ve just got to pinch myself; I’m so lucky to be associated with him.”
The Hayes Vision: Longevity and Global Ambition
For trainer David Hayes, the victory was a mixture of immense relief and soaring pride. Despite his dominance, Hayes pointed out that Ka Ying Rising remains the “baby” of the top-tier sprinting ranks, suggesting his peak may still be ahead of him. The plan now involves a conservative campaign aimed at preserving his brilliance for the next 18 months.
The roadmap is already being etched out: a return to the G2 Sprint Cup in April, followed by a defense of his Chairman’s Sprint Prize crown. Hayes also hinted at another international tilt, with The Everest remaining a primary target in his quest for a seasonal clean sweep.
“To continuously win for 742 days is mind-numbing,” Hayes said. “He’s more composed than ever. I wanted Zac to let him go today to help his worldwide ratings, and he showed exactly how strong he is. When you have one this good, he becomes the benchmark for everything that follows.”
Supporting Cards and Star Performers
While the headlines belonged to the record-breaker, the undercard provided plenty of action. Zac Purton enjoyed a phenomenal day out, tallying five winners including debutant Almighty Lightning and the progressive Aerovolanic.
Trainer Frankie Lor and jockey Matthew Poon also made their presence felt, with Poon securing a treble highlighted by the impressive victory of Salon S in the Class 3 Rose Handicap. John Size’s Stellar Express further proved his affinity for the Sha Tin straight, clocking a sharp 55.36s to take out the Class 2 Orchid Handicap.
As the dust settles on a historic afternoon, the racing world is left to marvel at a sprinter who seems to have no ceiling. For now, Ka Ying Rising stands alone at the summit of Hong Kong racing.
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