KA YING RISING reaffirmed his status as Hong Kong’s premier sprinter with a dominant victory in the HK$13 million Group 1 Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup (1400m) at Sha Tin on Sunday. Under the guidance of Karis Teetan and trained by David Hayes, the world’s joint highest-rated sprinter secured his third Group 1 triumph in emphatic fashion.
Positioned just outside the pace-setter and defending champion, CALIFORNIA SPANGLE, KA YING RISING cruised to the front at the top of the straight before showing his trademark resolve to fend off a determined challenge from John Size’s contingent. HELIOS EXPRESS charged late to take second, followed by stablemates HOWDEEPISYOURLOVE, BEAUTY ETERNAL and RED LION in a tightly contested finish.
Clocking a sharp 1m 20.33s in his first attempt over 1400m, KA YING RISING notched his 11th win from just 13 career starts. Having already claimed the Group 1 Centenary Sprint Cup (1200m), he now stands on the cusp of a HK$5 million bonus if he can complete a clean sweep of the Hong Kong Speed Series in the HK$22 million Group 1 Chairman’s Sprint Prize (1200m) on April 27.
Hayes admitted to a moment of concern when HELIOS EXPRESS loomed ominously at the 200m mark. “I had a nervous moment, but on the line, he was holding them well,” Hayes said. “It was an enjoyable last 100m but a frightening 200m. Karis said when he put him under pressure, he responded, and he felt there was still more to give. He’s a very special horse, and there should be a lot more to come.”
Teetan, stepping in for the injured Zac Purton, was thrilled with the opportunity to ride the star sprinter. “It’s unbelievable to get the chance to sit on one of the world’s best horses,” the Mauritian jockey said. “He flew out of the gate, settled beautifully, and was waiting for me to press the button. When I did, he responded brilliantly. I want to thank the owner, David, and Zac—who gave me great advice during the week. He told me, ‘Just know you’re on the best horse and ride him like that.’”
KA YING RISING showcased his raw speed, covering the 400m section from 1200m to 800m in 21.67s before completing the final 800m in 45.46s. BEAUTY ETERNAL posted the fastest closing 800m of the race in 44.99s, highlighting the quality of the field.
By SHAMEXPRESS, KA YING RISING’s victory capped off a remarkable weekend for the Hayes family, following MR BRIGHTSIDE’s win in the Group 1 Futurity Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield in Melbourne.
Hong Kong racing continues at Happy Valley on Wednesday night with the finale of the DBS X Manulife Million Challenge.
