Tuesday morning at Sha Tin saw Ka Ying Rising put in a smooth barrier trial, showing the kind of effortless speed that has made him a standout on the track. The eight-time Group 1 winner looked calm and confident under Zac Purton, giving a reassuring glimpse of his form ahead of a busy April campaign.
Trained by David Hayes, the star gelding produced the quickest time of the morning, stopping the clock at 57.62 seconds for 1000 metres in the opening heat down Sha Tin’s turf straight. Ridden by championship leader Zac Purton, he finished a neck clear of Beauty Waves in a performance that looked both controlled and authoritative.
Purton, reunited with the horse, was pleased with the outing. He described it as a tidy preparation run, noting that the sprinter felt in excellent order and would come on for the effort as he builds towards a busy April campaign.
Beauty Waves set the early tempo before Ka Ying Rising, positioned fourth early, moved forward smoothly and asserted without urgency. It was a familiar sight for those who have followed his rise—efficiency rather than exertion, dominance delivered with minimal fuss.
Currently rated the world’s top horse in the latest LONGINES rankings, Ka Ying Rising has now won his last 18 starts across Hong Kong and Australia. The Sprint Cup will serve as a stepping stone towards a second tilt at the G1 Chairman’s Sprint Prize (1200m) on FWD Champions Day (26 April), the final leg of the Hong Kong Speed Series.
Hayes explained the thinking behind the trial, emphasising that the outing was designed to keep the horse sharp rather than test his limits. He also pointed out the benefit of working down the straight course, offering flexibility should future race plans require it. With the drop back from 1400m to 1200m, the trainer was keen to keep things straightforward.
Ka Ying Rising Sprint Cup Trial Points to Bigger Targets
The Ka Ying Rising Sprint Cup trial also reinforced his standing among Hong Kong’s elite sprinters. Last season’s Hong Kong Speed Series bonus winner, he joins a select group of past champions, including Silent Witness, to achieve that distinction. His 18-race winning streak has already eclipsed Silent Witness’s previous record of 17 consecutive victories for a Hong Kong-trained horse.
Elsewhere in the session, Beauty Waves also tuned up for the Sprint Cup, while fellow star Lucky Sweynesse prepared for the G2 Chairman’s Trophy (1600m) with a solid 1600m trial under Derek Leung. Leung reported a smooth effort, expressing confidence ahead of upcoming Group races.
Attention now shifts to Wednesday night’s nine-race programme at Happy Valley, where Hayes fields a strong team. Among them is Conspiracy Witness, dropping into Class 5 company over 2200 metres, and Metro Power, who faces a tricky draw but brings consistent city track form.
Irish rider Dylan Browne McMonagle, nearing the end of his short-term Hong Kong stint, partners Conspiracy Witness. Reflecting on his experience, he spoke positively about the support received and his desire to return in the future.
The meeting also features Symbol Of Strength, who bids to follow up a recent success under Luke Ferraris for trainer Frankie Lor. The improving gelding has drawn favourably and looks poised to remain competitive in the closing event.
As for Ka Ying Rising, all roads now lead to April. If Tuesday’s trial is any guide, the champion shows no signs of slowing—and the Sprint Cup may simply be another chapter in an already historic run.
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