At Sha Tin Racecourse, the spotlight once again falls on Ka Ying Rising, officially crowned the world’s best sprinter, yet still with a point to prove as comparisons intensify with the legendary Australian mare Black Caviar.
The unbeaten brilliance of Black Caviar remains the benchmark of the modern era. Her flawless 25-race career earned a peak international rating of 132 in 2011, while a mark of 130 two years later saw her share top honours in the LONGINES World’s Best Racehorse rankings alongside Treve. Ka Ying Rising, currently rated 128, sits just below that elite level, although his latest record-breaking performance at Sha Tin on 6 April was not factored into the published figures.
There is a growing belief within racing circles that his rating is due for an upward revision. Greg Carpenter, co-chairman of the international rankings committee, has indicated that a career-high mark could be imminent when the next set of ratings is released on 14 May, following FWD Champions Day.
Ka Ying Rising’s most recent run only strengthened that case. Carrying an added burden, he dismantled a competitive field, breaking the track record once more and easing down in the closing stages, yet still winning by four and a quarter lengths — the widest margin of his career.
Trainer David Hayes has reported the gelding in peak condition ahead of Sunday’s HK$24 million Group 1 Chairman’s Sprint Prize (1200m), where he will attempt to extend his remarkable winning sequence at Sha Tin to 20 consecutive victories. A sharp piece of work in mid-April, where he clocked 21.5 seconds for 400 metres without being fully extended, has only added to confidence within the camp.
Beyond raw numbers, Ka Ying Rising’s growing international appeal has become a significant talking point. His triumph in The Everest at Royal Randwick last October broadened his profile, drawing global attention and prompting racing enthusiasts from across the world to travel to Hong Kong to witness him in action.
Carpenter emphasised the importance of such global competition, noting that the sport’s continued relevance depends on horses stepping beyond familiar surroundings and taking on international challenges. While it often involves risk and travel to jurisdictions with varying rewards, these ventures are crucial in elevating the sport’s global standing.
In the context of modern sprinting greats, Ka Ying Rising already occupies rarefied air. Since 2008, only a handful have reached similar heights: Black Caviar leads with 132, followed by Ka Ying Rising and Japan’s Lord Kanaloa at 128, and Nature Strip at 126. Hong Kong’s own champions, Silent Witness and Sacred Kingdom, peaked at 123.
Yet, for all his accomplishments, there remains a sense that Ka Ying Rising has not fully received the recognition his performances merit. Carpenter suggested that even more dominant victories — finishing strongly and widening margins — could help cement his legacy and elevate his rating further.
Sunday’s FWD Champions Day meeting at Sha Tin begins at 12.30pm with the Class 4 FWD Insurance Act Private Handicap (1200m), setting the stage for another potentially defining moment in the career of a sprinter already brushing greatness.
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