Ka Ying Rising Monsters Rivals in Gr1 Rout

The world’s number one sprinter, Ka Ying Rising, cemented his place among Hong Kong’s sprinting elite with an utterly dominant performance in Sunday’s HK$22 million Gr1 Chairman’s Sprint Prize (1200m) at Sha Tin. According to racingnews.hkjc.com, the superstar sprinter extended his unbeaten run to 12, posting a slick 1m 07.88s to complete a clean sweep of the Hong Kong Speed Series and land a HK$5 million bonus, matching the feats of past greats like Mr Vitality, Grand Delight, Silent Witness, and Lucky Sweynesse. Zac Purton had the 4YO Shamexpress gelding perfectly placed behind the pace, easing him to the front at the 250m mark before coasting clear for a two-and-a-quarter length victory over Japanese raider Satono Reve and Helios Express. From barrier four, Ka Ying Rising settled into a handy fifth as Lucky With You, Lucky Sweynesse, Invincible Sage and Magic Control set the early tempo. Purton’s measured move delivered Ka Ying Rising a fourth successive Group 1 title, covering the final 400m in 21.78s. His HK$12 million payday was bolstered by the Speed Series bonus, while trainer David Hayes celebrated his charge equalling the record for most wins in a Hong Kong season – eight – matching Beauty Generation and Lucky Sweynesse. Hayes confirmed Ka Ying Rising will now head to Conghua for a break before targeting his international debut in the HK$100 million The Everest at Randwick in October. Reflecting on the win, Purton said, "What more can you say? Every time you come out here, he produces something special and he did that again today and he didn’t even change his leg. He puts them away very quickly.” He added that Ka Ying Rising could now enjoy a well-earned break before stepping onto the global stage. “He’s had a long season, he’s been exceptional all the way through. Once again, he was brilliant.” Hayes was equally delighted, praising Purton’s tactical ride: “It was a great ride by Zac. He took the sit and didn’t want to get pocketed. When you’re on a ($1.05 chance), I think you take the luck out of it.” Hayes noted Ka Ying Rising’s developing versatility. “What he’s starting to show is that he’s not one-dimensional. He can take it up or take a sit.” The strength of the form was underlined by Helios Express and Satono Reve’s efforts, both chasing gamely behind the superstar. Hayes said the gelding would spend a month in the Conghua paddocks before preparations began for next season.