Zac Purton: “I receive 100 messages a week asking for Ka Ying Rising to break 1:06”

Ahead of the Chairman’s Sprint Prize (G1), where the star will seek his 20th consecutive victory, the jockey is staying clear of the pressure and focused on winning, beyond records

SHA TIN, Hong Kong (Special to Turf Diario).- In an era where records seem to be an obsession, Ka Ying Rising will be chasing something more valuable: winning again. The global sprint phenomenon will be the headline act in Sunday’s Chairman’s Sprint Prize (G1-1200m) at Sha Tin, looking to extend his remarkable streak to 20 consecutive victories.

But despite his dominant form, jockey Zac Purton made it clear there will be no record-chasing mission.

“The horse is fresh, looks great, and is ready to run,” he said. “He recovers as if he’d just gone out for a gallop. His aerobic capacity is what really separates him from the rest. It’s incredible how consistent he is; since returning to Hong Kong after The Everest, he’s always performed at a very high level.”

Purton went further into his tactical thinking: “You can’t break a record if the race doesn’t set up for it. People think you can go out and chase it, but it doesn’t work that way. It all depends on the pace, the wind, the race shape. Last time it happened, but it wasn’t planned.”

The Australian also revealed the external pressure: “I receive 100 messages a week telling me to break 1:06. Of course I’d like to, and I think he can do it one day, but I’m not going to empty him out for that. I’d rather he wins comfortably and can keep going with his campaign without issues.”

And he offered a line that captures the horse’s dimension: “I’ve never ridden one that has improved so much over time. Most reach their peak and stay there. He just keeps getting better.”

Trained by David Hayes, Ka Ying Rising will break from gate 3 in a small field. Hayes explained: “With his tactical speed, everything depends on how the race unfolds. If they go fast, he can sit. If they go slow, he’ll probably lead. He’s a very versatile horse.”

The trainer also allowed himself to look further ahead: “We’re taking it race by race, but with his physical ability he could handle a mile without problems. If he reaches a third unbeaten season and stays sound, we might experiment.”

Even so, caution prevails. “We have an outstanding sprint program in Hong Kong and Australia. There’s no need to change if everything is working,” Hayes added.

So, between ambition and care, the plan is clear: win again. Without excess. Because, as Purton summed up: “If he’s ready to do something extraordinary, he’ll do it on his own. I just have to stay out of his way.”