Despite a slightly sluggish start under jockey Zac Purton, Ka Ying Rising quickly found his rhythm, settling behind the early leader, California Spangle.
Ka Ying Rising, trained by David Hayes, delivered a stunning performance to secure victory in the prestigious Group One Longines Hong Kong Sprint at Sha Tin. The four-year-old, having already impressed with seven consecutive wins and a course record in his previous outing, was the favourite for this high-profile race.
Despite a slightly sluggish start under jockey Zac Purton, Ka Ying Rising quickly found his rhythm, settling behind the early leader, California Spangle. Once Purton asked for more, the horse surged forward, but had to fend off strong challenges from Helios Express and Satono Reve in the final stages to claim the win.
Purton reflected on the race, explaining that Ka Ying Rising’s slow start was due to a pre-race distraction, which caused the horse to lose focus for a moment. "It wasn’t smooth, something lunged at the gate just before we went, and it took his mind off it," Purton said. "He was a bit slow to step away, and never really relaxed as well as he has in the past, but he still got the job done. He’s a special horse."
While the victory was not flawless, Purton acknowledged that Ka Ying Rising is capable of even better performances, underscoring the horse's remarkable potential. "He wasn’t at his best today, but still managed to win, which speaks to how good he is."
In the Longines Hong Kong Mile, Voyage Bubble also secured a memorable Group One victory, adding a second prestigious title to his career. Trained by Ricky Yiu and ridden by James McDonald, the six-year-old gelding displayed a strong performance, positioning himself perfectly throughout the race. With two furlongs to go, Voyage Bubble took charge and powered ahead, holding off a late challenge from Soul Rush to claim the win.
For Voyage Bubble, this victory was especially sweet after finishing second in last year’s Mile. French contender Lazzat proved to be the best of the European challengers, while the other European runners, Docklands and Ramadan, were unable to make a significant impact.
Both Ka Ying Rising and Voyage Bubble showcased their talent and determination, making the day a memorable one for their connections and Hong Kong racing fans alike.
