Ka Ying Rising, the horse that has made defeating him a mission impossible

The Hong Kong champion equaled the historic record of Silent Witness and now dreams of breaking another legendary mark at Sha Tin: he has secured 17 consecutive victories

Ka Ying Rising won again without being asked / HKJC

SHA TIN, Hong Kong (Special for Turf Diario).— In a racing scene that has seen many legends pass through, rarely does time stand still to pay homage. What happened this Sunday at Sha Tin was not just a G1 victory: it was one of those scenes that redefine eras. Ka Ying Rising won again, yes, but above all, he once again set the pulse of a generation by equaling a winning streak that once seemed untouchable.

The superstar trained by David Hayes claimed the Centenary Sprint Cup (G1-1,200m, turf), equaling the record of 17 consecutive victories established by the mythical Silent Witness (El Moxie) between 2002 and 2005.

But far from being satisfied, his team is already aiming higher. Just minutes after the feat, Hayes issued a new challenge: the champion could now threaten the Sha Tin 1,400-meter record when he faces the Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup (G1) on February 22nd. The current mark of 1m19s92/100 is held by Encouraging (Redoute's Choice)and Packing Hermod (Rubick).

“This year he is a stronger, more complete horse. I think he will handle the 1,400 meters perfectly. It’s another dimension for him,” said Hayes, convinced that if the weather and track conditions cooperate, the clock will tremble once again.

The Centenary Sprint Cup was yet another demonstration of his superiority. Although he didn’t break cleanly, Ka Ying Rising quickly recovered ground and settled among the leaders. When Zac Purton let him go at the exit of the final turn, the bay exploded with a devastating acceleration. In just 100 meters, he opened up a 4-length lead, and with the race decided, his rider practically stopped asking him for effort in the final stages.

Even so, the timer stopped at 1m07s66/100, just slightly above his own track record. Behind him, Helios Express (Toronado) was second, followed by Fast Network (Wrote), all surrendered to a machine that seems to run with a gear more than the rest.

Ka Ying Rising now has 18 wins from 20 starts, remains unbeaten since February 2024, and has already accumulated HK$129.8 million in earnings, figures that place him in the world’s elite of sprinting.

Purton, winning this race for the fourth time, summarized it with admiration: “He’s in another class. Very few in history achieved what Silent Witness did. For Ka Ying Rising to have equaled it is something extraordinary.”

The Centenary Sprint Cup was the first leg of the Hong Kong Speed Series, which will continue with the Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup and the Chairman’s Sprint Prize (G1). A $5 million bonus awaits any horse that completes the triple.

Today, everything indicates that this objective also has a specific name attached to it. And in Hong Kong, no one dares to set a limit on him anymore.