Photo: Alex Evers HKJC
Moments after Ka Ying Rising (NZ) (Shamexpress) forged into Hong Kong racing history with a record-equalling win in the HK$13 million Gr.1 Centenary Sprint Cup (1200m) at Sha Tin on Sunday, David Hayes predicted the world’s best sprinter could potentially break Sha Tin’s 1400m course record next month.
Reacting to Ka Ying Rising’s effort to post a 17th consecutive victory to match the winning streak of Silent Witness from 2002 to 2005, Hayes believes the superstar galloper can threaten Sha Tin’s 1400m record of 1m 19.92s – jointly held by Encouraging and Packing Hermod – when he contests the HK$13 million Gr.1 Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup (1400m) on 22 February.
“Last year, he worked a bit and won it (Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup), and I think he’s a stronger, better horse this year,” Hayes said. “I think he will handle the 1400m beautifully. I’m really excited for the next race. It’s another dimension for him.
“Last year, he nearly broke the course record at 1400m, and I think if the conditions are right, he can go close again.”
Ridden by Karis Teetan in last year’s Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup in the absence of regular rider Zac Purton, who was injured, Ka Ying Rising clocked 1m 20.33s.
Ka Ying Rising today clocked 1m 07.66s – outside his own 1200m Sha Tin turf track record of 1m 07.20s – after being allowed to coast to the line in defeating Helios Express by one-and-a quarter lengths with Fast Network a further two lengths back.
Moderately away at the start, Ka Ying Rising quickly mustered speed to lead before Matthew Chadwick drove Beauty Waves to the front. Aware of Luke Ferraris and Lucky With You lurking to his outside, Purton ensured Ka Ying Rising had clear running before unleashing the gelding from the 300m.
Exploding clear, and with the race at his mercy with a four-length lead, Purton eased up noticeably over the final 200m, clocking a modest 11.47s.
“The winning margin wasn’t probably the greatest, but it’s probably the most Zac has ever eased him down,” Hayes said. “So, he had a very easy last 200 metres and he dominated as the market suggested he would. Just nice to see him do it.”
Ka Ying Rising improved his record to 18 wins from 20 starts and is unbeaten since February 2024 with career prizemoney of HK$129.8 million.
Celebrating his fourth win in the race after victories with Aerovelocity (2016), Lucky Sweynesse (2023) and Ka Ying Rising last season, Purton said: “What can I say? We’ve said it all with the horse.
“I just had to make sure my bloke was in a rhythm. I’m surprised he run the time he run because it didn’t feel like he ran that quick sort of mid-early in the race. Yeah, he just different class.
“I never thought I would see it (a record-equalling 17th win in a row), to be honest. It’s very, very rare what Silent Witness did and what Ka Ying has been able to do so far – and let’s hope he can keep going on with it.”
“After Silent Witness, I don’t think anyone thought they would ever see it again. Fortunately for us who are involved with the horse, he’s equalled him and can hopefully put his own benchmark.
“It’s pretty nice when you look at the big screen and you’re a long way in front, I can tell you. A race is a race. You’ve still got to go out and do it and hopefully he can hold his form, which we will expect he will.
“He’s got a big race next time, obviously he goes up in distance but he’s up for it.”
Summing up the mood of the six beaten jockeys, Helios Express’ rider Hugh Bowman said: “Another sound, consistent performance. The slower pace didn’t suit, neither does the fast pace when you’re chasing that horse.”
The Centenary Sprint Cup was the first leg of the Hong Kong Speed Series, which also includes the Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup and the HK$24 million G1 Chairman’s Sprint Prize (1200m) on 26 April.
A HK$5 million bonus is on offer to the winner of all three legs.
