World’s top sprinter Ka Ying Rising ‘in a league of his own’ with 16th win

The Hong Kong superstar produced another dominant display at Sha Tin racecourse to claim the Longines Hong Kong Sprint for a second time

The world’s top sprinter Ka Ying Rising was ‘in a league of his own’ as he blasted to his 16th straight win on Sunday. The Hong Kong superstar won the £10 million Everest in October, defeating the best sprinters in Australia.

On Sunday he took his earnings past the £13m mark when trouncing the international field assembled for the £2.8m Longines Hong Kong Sprint. Ka Ying Rising’s victory in the race 12 months ago was his first at Group 1 level, since when he has gone from strength to strength. He was such a hot favourite in the 13-runner field at Sha Tin, that the second favourite was sent off at odds of 33-1.

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As the betting suggested the rest were racing for the places behind Ka Ying Rising as the five-year-old produced his most dominant performance yet.

Leading from the start, he turned into the finishing straight having opened clear daylight and once in no danger, he was eased down by Zac Purton who said after scoring by three and three quarter lengths, “He is in a league of his own now.

Trainer David Hayes said: “I was just relieved he didn’t let ours and the public’s expectations down. He was superb today. The messages he was sending in the week of the race suggested he would do something like that.

“We’re not running fast times today but he did, a lot faster than the other races. We’re hoping he’s got another 20 races in him. On the eye, that was as spectacular a win as he’s done.

“The Royal Ascot form is in the race, great Japanese form in the race, form from Dubai and the Breeders’ Cup. They’re probably the best sprinters around and he’s made them look ordinary and I can assure you they’re not.

“One more win equals the great Silent Witness’s record and two breaks it. Every time he runs there is something significant he has to do but he handles it so well.

“He is a lot heavier and stronger now so physically he is improving and it’s showing on the track. The great thing about it is he doesn’t have to lead but Zac wanted to take all the risk out of it so he could get off the fence.

“He is set to go for the Hong Kong Triple Crown now, then the big international sprint and then he will be going to the Everest. If he’s in the form he was today you’d love to take those Aussies on again.”

British veteran Khaadem trailed in 12th after Oisin Murphy lost his irons exiting the stalls, giving his jockey an uncomfortable ride round.