Hayes eyes Sha Tin record after Ka Ying Rising’s historic Centenary romp
Moments after Ka Ying Rising (Shamexpress) forged into Hong Kong racing history with a record-equalling win in Sunday’s HK$13 million Centenary Sprint Cup (Gr 1, 1200m) at Sha Tin, trainer David Hayes predicted the world’s best sprinter could potentially break a course record at the track next month.
After the gelding’s effort to post a 17th consecutive victory – matching the winning streak of Silent Witness (El Moxie) from 2002 to 2005 – Hayes said he believes the superstar can threaten Sha Tin’s 1400-metre record of 1m 19.92s when he contests the HK$13 million Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup (Gr 1, 1400m) on February 22.
“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 1400 metres beautifully. I’m really excited for the next race. It’s another dimension for him. Last year, he nearly broke the course record at 1400 metres, 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.
On Sunday, the five-year-old clocked 1m 07.66s (outside his own 1200-metre Sha Tin turf record of 1m 07.20s) after being allowed to coast to the line in defeating Helios Express (Toronado) by a length and a quarter, with Fast Network (Wrote) a further two lengths back.
Moderately away at the start, Ka Ying Rising quickly mustered speed to lead before Matthew Chadwick drove Beauty Waves (Starspangledbanner) to the front. Aware of Luke Ferraris and Lucky With You (Artie Schiller) lurking to his outside, Purton ensured Ka Ying Rising had clear running before unleashing the gelding from the 300 metres.
Exploding clear, and with the race at his mercy with a four-length lead, Purton eased up noticeably over the final 200 metres, 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. [It’s] just nice to see him do it.”
Ka Ying Rising improved his record to 18 wins from 20 starts and is unbeaten since February 12, 2024 with career prize-money of HK$129.8 million (approx AU$24,129,820).
Celebrating his fourth win in the race after victories with Aerovelocity (Pins) (2016), Lucky Sweynesse (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 ran the time he did because it didn’t feel like he ran that quick sort of mid-early in the race. He is 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.”
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 Chairman’s Sprint Prize (Gr 1, 1200m) on April 26. A HK$5 million bonus is on offer to the winner of all three legs.