Coverage by Daryl Timms

On the cusp of Hong Kong supremacy, Ka Ying Rising — widely billed as the world’s top sprinter — stretched his sequence to sixteen by crushing the HK$28 million G1 LONGINES Hong Kong Sprint (1200m) at Sha Tin on Sunday, 14 December. For example, what might seem a routine jump and smooth travel became, for this thoroughbred, a commanding exhibition.

That triumph was his sixth Group 1, putting him level with Golden Sixty’s run of 16 straight wins and leaving him one shy of Hong Kong, China’s mark of 17 set by Silent Witness. He now owns 17 wins and two seconds from 19 starts with earnings of HK$122.5 million, for instance, a ledger any stable would happily frame.

Drawing the inside gate for the first time in his career, the Shamexpress gelding was piloted with cool precision by Zac Purton, who angled to the center of the home straight to find the best ground on the racecourse. For instance, shifting off the rail early rather than lunging for the lead can cut down interference.

Ka Ying Rising burst clear to defeat Raging Blizzard by three and three‑quarter lengths, while Fast Network took third in 1:07.7 after Purton eased him in the final 150 metres. As a small illustration, he was throttled down late instead of being driven all the way to the post.

Video segment: the original page carried a YouTube replay of the race, for instance, a standard clip showing the jump and the finish.

Zac Purton on Ka Ying Rising: exactly the kind of display people came to see

“His previous run told us today was set up,” Purton explained, adding a micro‑example: “when the draw came, he landed the right gate.” He recalled being asked for a view after barriers were allocated and replied, “he’d put a bigger margin on them.”

“Right now he’s operating in his own bracket,” he said, noting that not being forced to burn fuel from a wide alley into the first turn probably aided the result. For example, saving effort before the bend keeps more in reserve.

According to Purton, Ka Ying Rising traveled sweetly throughout, and the ride was shaped simply to ensure the horse got his chance. As an illustration, the tempo was allowed to come to him rather than being chased.

David Hayes on Ka Ying Rising: best he has trained, and relief that expectations were met

“He was outstanding this afternoon,” Hayes said, explaining that the messages during the week suggested a performance like that even if the meeting wasn’t producing fast overall times. For instance, his split compared far sharper than other races on the card.

Hayes added that he hopes the six‑time Group 1 winner has about twenty more races in him, a horizon that would keep the campaign rolling. As an example, that could span multiple seasons.

He pointed out the race featured runners with Royal Ascot, Dubai and Breeders’ Cup credentials, among the elite sprinters around, and while Ka Ying Rising made them look ordinary, he emphasized they certainly weren’t. For example, form lines from those meetings typically stack up strongly.

Each time Ka Ying Rising steps out, Hayes said, something significant seems required, including over the next two starts when he aims first to equal and then to break Silent Witness’ streak of 17. As a simple illustration, ticking off records brings pressure.

“He’s heavier and stronger now — physically he keeps improving — and that development is visible on the track,” Hayes said. For instance, strength through the line has lifted.

“The beauty with him is he doesn’t need to lead,” Hayes added. “Today Zac wanted to remove risk by getting off the fence, giving the horse another weapon.”

Hayes said Ka Ying Rising will again be aimed at Hong Kong’s Speed Series, and stretching to 1400m like last year would be enjoyable to watch. For example, a controlled sit‑and‑sprint at that trip suits his profile.

“After that, it’s the big international sprint here and then he’ll head to The Everest,” he said. “If he stays sound and in today’s form, we’d be keen to take on the Aussies again,” he added, for instance, just as they did previously.

Hayes forecast that Ka Ying Rising will soon better his Sha Tin 1200m track record of 1:07.20. For instance, a fast surface on a cool day can help.

“Zac has been easing him down in the last couple of races,” Hayes said. “He probably went about twenty lengths quicker than the Class 3 and the Class 4 over 1200m — which is about what he should do,” he added, for example, when a topweight class horse measures against lower grades.