Ka Ying Rising confirmed his status as a true superstar at Sha Tin, capping off an extraordinary season with a brilliant performance in the G1 Chairman’s Sprint Prize. The talented sprinter remained unbeaten, securing his 12th consecutive win in a time of 1m 07.88s and leaving a world-class field trailing behind. His dominant season also saw him complete the prestigious Hong Kong Speed Series, earning a HK$5 million bonus and placing him among an elite group of past champions.
There was no mistaking Ka Ying Rising’s superiority as he lined up against 12 rivals. Guided expertly by Zac Purton, the four-year-old showed his customary composure, settling behind the early leaders from barrier four. When called upon, he surged clear with minimal encouragement, showcasing his trademark acceleration and putting the result beyond doubt with a commanding two-and-a-quarter length margin over Satono Reve and Helios Express.
Throughout the race, Purton positioned Ka Ying Rising perfectly, trailing the early pace without expending unnecessary energy. As the field turned for home, the sprinter effortlessly shifted gears at the 250-meter mark and powered away to a comfortable victory, clocking an impressive 21.78 seconds for the final 400 meters. This triumph also marked his fourth consecutive Group 1 success, underscoring his dominance on the Hong Kong sprinting scene.
The win not only brought in a substantial HK$12 million prize but also secured Ka Ying Rising’s sweep of the Speed Series, following earlier victories in the G1 Centenary Sprint Cup and the G1 Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup. Under the guidance of trainer David Hayes, the gelding matched another significant record — tying the mark for most wins in a single Hong Kong season, with eight victories, a feat previously achieved by Beauty Generation and Lucky Sweynesse.
Looking ahead, Ka Ying Rising is set for a well-earned spell before targeting his first international challenge: The Everest at Randwick Racecourse in Sydney this October, a race offering an astronomical HK$100 million in prize money. The move marks an exciting next step for a horse who has already conquered the local scene with authority.
Reflecting on the race, Purton was full of praise for his mount, marveling at how easily Ka Ying Rising handled the field without even needing to change leads. He noted that the track conditions, which had a bit of softness, might have affected overall times but did little to hinder the gelding’s superiority over his rivals.
David Hayes, equally elated, credited Purton for a tactically sound and confident ride. Hayes admitted the whole race felt like a blur but emphasized that everything had fallen into place perfectly throughout the season. According to him, the gelding’s versatility — whether leading or settling off the pace — makes him an even greater weapon going forward.
Hayes also highlighted the strength of the competition, acknowledging that Satono Reve and Helios Express, both top-class sprinters themselves, further validated the quality of Ka Ying Rising’s victory. Particularly, he praised Helios Express’s consistent performances against Ka Ying Rising, suggesting the horse would likely have multiple Group 1 wins under his belt if he were racing elsewhere.
Following this latest triumph, Ka Ying Rising will be sent to Conghua, where he will enjoy a relaxing break in the paddocks before preparations begin for the new season. With eyes firmly set on The Everest, Hayes is optimistic that this remarkable sprinter has even more to offer on the international stage.
Adding another feather to his cap, Zac Purton reached his 100th win for the season immediately after the Chairman’s Sprint Prize, riding Masterofmyuniverse to victory. Purton acknowledged the significance of reaching such a milestone, noting it usually clinches the jockeys’ championship in most years and reflecting on the immense support he’s received throughout a standout season.
