Ka Ying Rising out to match Silent Witness winning streak

David Hayes is confident Ka Ying Rising remains in peak form as the world’s highest-rated sprinter chases history in the HK$13 million Group 1 Centenary Sprint Cup (1200m) at Sha Tin on Sunday.

Unbeaten in 16 starts since February 12, 2024, Ka Ying Rising will equal Silent Witness’ record for a Hong Kong-trained horse of 17 victories in a row if he eclipses six rivals in this weekend’s Group 1 double-header, which also features Romantic Warrior’s clash with Voyage Bubble in the HK$13 million Group 1 Stewards’ Cup (1600m).

Acclaimed last week as Timeform Horse of the Year (2025) as well as being acknowledged this week as both the world’s premier sprinter and joint second-best horse in the 2025 World’s Best Racehorse Rankings, Ka Ying Rising has won 17 of 19 starts, including six at Group 1 level.

Hayes is adamant Ka Ying Rising, who broke his own Sha Tin 1200m track record in the 2025 Centenary Sprint Cup with a winning time of 1:07.20s, has not regressed since his devastating Hong Kong Sprint (1200m) triumph in December.

“Last start was probably his best win and he seems no worse and what’s so special about him is that he just keeps putting up consistent ratings that are exceptional. Everything tells me that he’s the same,” Hayes said.

“I would say (his form is) very similar. It’s hard to say better, isn’t it?”

A dual Hong Kong champion trainer, Hayes said he never expected to have a horse capable of threatening Silent Witness’ record, which has stood since 2005.

“I never thought that would happen but it’s looking very realistic and if trackwork and trials are any guide, he’s (Ka Ying Rising) held his form and it’s exciting for the weekend,” Hayes said.