Ka Ying Rising Clinches Record 21st Straight Win at Hong Kong Season Opener
SCMP · 4 SOURCESabout 15 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
Ka Ying Rising extended his unprecedented winning streak to 21 races at Sha Tin Racecourse on Sunday, conquering the HKSAR Chief Executive's Cup in a Group Three event worth HK$4.2 million. The David Hayes-trained champion broke his own track record by nearly a second while carrying top weight of 135lb, storming home 7¾ lengths ahead of his rivals. The festive season opener featured superstar Aaron Kwok's live performance and was officiated by Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu, drawing enthusiastic crowds after the nearly two-month summer break .
Key Points
- Ka Ying Rising won his 21st consecutive race in the HKSAR Chief Executive's Cup, a Group Three 1,200m handicap worth HK$4.2 million, lowering the track record by 0.99 seconds to 1:06.11
- Nine-time Hong Kong champion jockey Zac Purton piloted the world's best sprinter to a 7¾-length victory over Copartner Prance in what Purton called his most dominant performance yet
- Aaron Kwok Fu-shing performed the HKJC theme song "Go Go Go" as the Year of the Horse Ambassador, drawing cheers from the crowd with his stage performance
- Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu presided over the traditional Gong Striking Ceremony after a lion dance performance, officially launching the new season
- Shenzhen visitors Liu and Ho made a special trip to experience Hong Kong racing in person, saying they were drawn by Kwok's performance and wanted to enjoy the festive atmosphere
Why It Matters
With Ka Ying Rising now targeting The Everest crown in Sydney next month against the world's top sprinters, Hong Kong racing fans are hopeful their champion can continue his remarkable dominance on the international stage . The impressive season opener, featuring live entertainment and enthusiastic crowds including visitors from mainland China, signals a strong rebound for the sport's popularity following the nearly two-month summer break .
With Ka Ying Rising now targeting The Everest crown in Sydney next month against the world's top sprinters, Hong Kong racing fans are hopeful their champion can continue his remarkable dominance on the international stage . The impressive season opener, featuring live entertainment and enthusiastic crowds including visitors from mainland China, signals a strong rebound for the sport's popularity following the nearly two-month summer break .