Ka Ying Rising, on the brink of Hong Kong racing immortality

The world’s top sprinter stretched his winning streak to 16 straight with a devastating display in the Hong Kong Sprint

Ka Ying Rising Continues to Make History in the Sprinting Ranks / HKJC

SHA TIN, Hong Kong (Special to Turf Diario).- Some performances transcend the result and become a message for history. Ka Ying Rising, already crowned the world’s leading sprinter, delivered a breathtaking display on Sunday as he powered home in the Longines Hong Kong Sprint (G1-1200m), extending his winning streak to 16 consecutive victories and moving to within a single step of immortality in Hong Kong racing.

The Shamexpress gelding secured his sixth Group 1 victory, matching the streak achieved by Golden Sixty(Medaglia d’Oro) and sitting just one shy of the all-time Hong Kong record held by the legendary Silent Witness (El Moxie) with 17 straight wins. His résumé is staggering by any measure: 17 wins and two seconds from 19 starts, with total earnings of HK$122.5 million.

Breaking from barrier one—the first time he had ever drawn the inside gate—Zac Purton executed a flawless ride, easing the champion off the rail in the straight to find the best ground and letting raw talent do the rest. Ka Ying Rising quickened with controlled fury and drew off with ease, crossing the wire 3 3/4 lengths clear of Raging Blizzard (Per Incanto), with Fast Network (Wrote) third, as Purton geared him down over the final 150 metres. The clock stopped at 1:07.7, achieved without maximum urging.

“That’s what everyone wanted to see,” Purton said. “His last run already told us this could happen. When the draw came out and we saw the one, I said he’d win by a margin. He’s in a league of his own.”

Purton also emphasized how crucial the inside draw proved to be: “He travelled beautifully throughout. I just made sure he got his chance.”

For trainer David Hayes, the performance was as emphatic as it was reassuring. “He’s the best horse I’ve ever trained,” he said flatly. “There was huge expectation—from the stable and from the public—and he delivered like a champion. Not only did he win, he ran much faster than anything else on the card.”

Hayes stressed that the opposition was anything but ordinary, featuring rivals hardened at Royal Ascot, Dubai, and the Breeders’ Cup. “The fact Ka Ying Rising makes them look average doesn’t mean they are. He’s extraordinary.”

The conditioner added that the sprinter will continue along the Hong Kong Speed Series path, with the option of stretching back out to 1400 metres before once again targeting a major international goal: The Everest in Australia. “If he’s sound and in this form, we’d love to take them on again,” Hayes said.

Stronger, heavier, and more complete with each outing, Ka Ying Rising no longer needs to dominate from the front to win, continually adding new dimensions to his arsenal. With two races left to equal—and then eclipse—Silent Witness’s record, the champion is no longer running just to win. He is running for history.