Ka Ying Rising Is Important in the Group 1 Hong Kong Race

Ka Ying Rising, the world's best sprinter, extended his winning streak to 16 with victory in the HK$28 million Group 1 LONGINES Hong Kong Sprint (1200m) at Sha Tin this morning.

The New Zealand-bred gelding secured his sixth Group 1 win to extend his record to 17 wins and two seconds from 19 starts with a prize money of HK$122.5 million.

In an impressive display after drawing barrier one for the first time in his career, the Shamexpress gelding produced one of his best wins with a masterful ride from Zac Purton, who led the champion into the home straight in pursuit of the best ground.

Ka Ying Rising jumped out to beat Raging Blizzard by three lengths, with Fast Network third after Purton eased him over the closing 150m.

“I think we showed everyone what he can do…”@zpurton responded to Ka Ying Rising's performance at the Hong Kong Sprint after blowing away his rivals at Sha Tin! 🔥 @HKJC_Racing | @HongKong_Racing | #HKIR | #HKRacing pic.twitter.com/HPvzjbdLjj

– At The Races (@AtTheRaces) December 14, 2025

“In his own league”

Purton said the Ka Ying Rising project is what everyone wants to see.

“His last run showed us that he was on the cards today,” he said. “He drew the door right, and the wall came out, and they said, 'What do you think? And I said he's going to win more.'

“He's in his own league now. And not having to do that extra work in the first corner from the big gate to try and keep going, it's definitely helped him.”

The best Hayes has trained

Declaring that Ka Ying is riding the best horse he has ever trained, David Hayes said he was relieved the five-year-old had not given up on the stable or public expectations.

“He was outstanding today,” he said. “The messages he sent during the race show that he will do something like that. We didn't run fast today but he did – (run) faster than other races.”

Hayes said there are horses in the competition with the likes of Royal Ascot, Dubai and the Breeders' Cup and they're probably the best sprinters around, and while Ka Ying Rising makes them look normal, he says they're definitely not.”