The incomparable Ka Ying Rising won his 18th successive race in Hong Kong on Sunday morning.
Trained by David Hayes, the five-year-old, widely regarded as one of the best sprinters in history, demolished his rivals in the Grade 1 Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup at Sha Tin. It was an eighth top level success for the horse.
Sprinting is not a division in which many horses can establish themselves as the world’s best. However, it is becoming increasingly difficult to argue against Ka Ying Rising being the most talented flat horse on the planet.
Regular jockey Zac Purton settled him narrowly behind the leader in the 7f contest. It proved a wise strategy as Ka Ying Rising effortlessly quickened clear to win by three-and-a-half lengths.
Connections took a slight risk in racing their star over the 7f distance. It was only the second of his 18 straight wins to come over this trip, with the majority over 6f.
They need not have worried if there were any lingering doubts. Extending the record well beyond the current 18-long streak is now a distinct possibility.
“He’s the horse of a lifetime” – Purton
Ka Ying Rising was already a champion. Now, he is a history maker.
Jockey Purton was unable to resist the superlatives after guiding him into the record books on Sundya.
“He’s the horse of a lifetime, isn’t he?” Purton said to the South China Morning Post. “I just shake my head every time with the performances he puts up and the ease with which he does it.
“To be etched in history now forever is part of my legacy, part of David’s and a part of Ka Ying Rising and hopefully he can continue on doing what he’s doing.”
Trainer Hayes was just as starstruck. There can be few trainers in history with the responsibility of a superstar like Ka Ying Rising.
“I’ve trained a lot of horses that have gone 742 days without winning, so to continuously win for 742 days is mind numbing,” Hayes said.
The victory was particularly impressive to Hayes given the horse was actually taking on his elders.
“The thing people don’t realise is that he was the youngest horse in the race today. They always think he’s the big boy bashing them up, but he’s actually the baby.”
Further top tier targets await. Now that Ka Ying Rising has made history, he will look to extend it as far as he can.