Romantic Warrior and Ka Ying Rising Dominate Hong Kong International Races
Hong Kong’s racing stars, Romantic Warrior and Ka Ying Rising, exceeded expectations on December 14th at Sha Tin Racecourse, delivering commanding performances in the feature events of the Hong Kong International Races.
Ka Ying Rising’s victory in the Hong Kong Sprint (G1) marked his remarkable 16th consecutive win, solidifying his position as a leading global sprinter. Meanwhile, Romantic Warrior secured a comprehensive, albeit more hard-fought, win in the Hong Kong Cup (G1), a testament to his resilience after recent challenges.
Prior to the Sprint, questions lingered regarding Ka Ying Rising’s status as the world’s premier sprinter, but his performance decisively answered those doubts.
Jockey Zac Purton expressed his preference for an inside gate before the barrier draw, and secured the coveted No. 1 position. Despite concerns that a fast horse positioned directly outside might create a tactical disadvantage, the situation proved inconsequential.
The 5-year-old broke cleanly and maintained a commanding lead throughout the 1,200 meters (approximately 6 furlongs), winning by 3 3/4 lengths without being fully extended. Trainer David Hayes noted the course wasn’t conducive to fast times, yet Ka Ying Rising still clocked 1:07.70, a time he’s previously surpassed.
This victory extended his winning streak, which includes October’s AU$20 million (approximately $US13 million) The Everest (G1) and all of Hong Kong’s major sprint races. He bested a field of international competitors with experience in prestigious races across Dubai, the Breeders’ Cup World Championships, and Japan.
“He didn’t let our expectations down and the public’s expectations down,” Hayes remarked.
Purton added, “It felt good. Listen, we didn’t really have a fixed plan other than to be positive.” He continued, “I was surprised I led but I was always going to be happy to lead anyway. The fence was no good so I had to get off it. When I looked at the big screen, I was a long way in front. That’s what everyone wanted.”
The performance drew praise from fellow jockeys. “The best I’ve seen at that trip,” stated Ryan Moore, who finished ninth aboard Satono Rev.
Brenton Avdulla, riding runner-up Raging Blizzard, commented, “He’s been second to the best horse in the world so you can’t ask for more.” James McDonald, whose mount Fast Network finished third, added, “That winner was something else.”
Hayes indicated plans for another attempt at The Everest, preceded by a series of local sprint events. When asked about his horse’s potential peak speed, Hayes speculated, “I reckon he could do 6-something (1:06).” He acknowledged, however, that such a performance would require a serious challenger, a prospect currently absent on the Hong Kong racing scene.
Video of Ka Ying Rising’s victory in the Hong Kong Sprint
While the sprint division is dominated by Ka Ying Rising, Romantic Warrior reigns supreme among the middle-distance runners.
The 7-year-old’s presence likely contributed to a smaller field of just seven in the Cup. Despite the presence of several Group 1 winners, none could match McDonald’s urging of Romantic Warrior in the straight. He responded powerfully, winning by 1 3/4 lengths over Bellagio Opera, a multiple Group 1 winner.
Photo of Romantic Warrior winning the Hong Kong Cup
France’s Quisisana finished third, and Ireland’s Galen came in fourth. Notably, Chancheng Glory, bred in Iowa, led the pace early in the stretch, providing excitement for American viewers, before ultimately fading to sixth.
The race was briefly disrupted when a spectator entered the course near the top of the stretch, apparently attempting to raise awareness about the November 26th fire at the Tai Po apartment complex that tragically claimed 160 lives. The individual was quickly apprehended before posing a threat to the horses.
Romantic Warrior’s Cup victory marked his 11th Group 1 win—including three previous editions of the same race, as well as triumphs in Japan, Australia, and Dubai—and increased his world-record earnings by HK$22.4 million (approximately US$2.87 million).
The past year presented challenges for Romantic Warrior, including a heartbreaking defeat behind Forever Young in the $20 million Saudi Cup (G1) and a second-place finish in the Dubai Turf (G1T). He was sidelined from April 5th to November 23rd, during which time he underwent surgery on a front leg, before returning to win the Jockey Club Cup (G2).
“It’s a big relief,” trainer Danny Shum said, reflecting on Romantic Warrior’s successful recovery. “He always gives me a lot of happiness, not only me but my stable, owners, my family, and in Hong Kong, even racing fans or non-racing fans, they all love Romantic Warrior.”
Hong Kong fans anticipate a rematch between Romantic Warrior and Forever Young in February in Saudi Arabia, but Shum emphasized that the decision rests with owner Peter Lau Pak Fai.
“He has wisdom. We all trust him. If he says, ‘Danny, go to Saudi Arabia,’ I’ll go to Saudi Arabia. If he says, ‘Danny, stay in Hong Kong,’ I’ll stay in Hong Kong. We’re a good team, I trust Peter a lot.”
Video of Romantic Warrior’s victory in the Hong Kong Cup
