Sha Tin, Hong Kong – All eyes will be on Sha Tin Racecourse this , as Ka Ying Rising attempts to etch his name into Hong Kong racing history. The David Hayes-trained gelding is poised to surpass the legendary Silent Witness’s record of 17 consecutive wins in the G1 Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup, a 1400-meter sprint carrying a purse of HK$13,000,000.
The pressure is squarely on Ka Ying Rising, a New Zealand-bred son of Shamexpress. Trainer Hayes described his charge as “bigger, stronger, and better than last year,” signaling confidence ahead of the highly anticipated race. The gelding’s recent victory in the G1 Centenary Sprint Cup in January further solidified his status as the dominant force in Hong Kong sprinting.
However, nine rivals stand between Ka Ying Rising and a place in the record books. Among them is Helios Express, who finished second to Ka Ying Rising in the Centenary Sprint Cup. John Size’s runner will undoubtedly be looking to avenge that defeat and potentially disrupt the gelding’s winning streak. Raging Blizzard, who finished fourth in the Centenary Sprint Cup, also returns for another attempt.
The Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup is the second leg of the Hong Kong Speed Series, a series known for attracting some of the region’s fastest horses. The race consistently delivers thrilling finishes and showcases the exceptional talent within the Hong Kong racing community.
Tokyo, Japan – Across the Pacific, at Tokyo Racecourse, the ¥290,980,000 February Stakes (G1) will also take place on . The 1600-meter contest features a competitive field of Japanese horses, including W Heart Bond, a G1 Champions Cup heroine, who will be carrying the lightest weight in the race.
W Heart Bond’s participation adds an intriguing dynamic to the race, as she aims for another top-level title. Wilson Tesoro, who finished just behind her in the Champions Cup, is also in contention. Jockey Rachel King, who made history last year by becoming the first female rider to win a JRA Group 1 Flat race in this very race aboard Costa Nova, will be aboard Sakura Toujours this year, while Christophe Lemaire is set to ride Costa Nova.
Cagnes-sur-Mer, France – Further west, at Cagnes-sur-Mer Racecourse in France, the Prix de la Californie (Listed) will be run over 7 1/2 furlongs on the all-weather track. This race for three-year-olds carries a purse of €50,300 and features a field of promising young horses.
Richard Chotard’s trainee, Go Man, enters the race off a career-best performance in November’s Listed Criterium du Languedoc and will carry a two-kilo penalty. He will face competition from Wertheimer homebreds Kenzel and Centauri, both trained by Christophe Ferland. Gousserie Racing’s Baklawa, a G3 Prix Miesque third, and the undefeated Afandy and Viva La Skids also add depth to the field.
The Prix de la Californie serves as an important stepping stone for these young horses as they progress through their racing careers. The race often provides a glimpse into potential future stars of French racing.
The convergence of these three significant races – in Hong Kong, Japan, and France – underscores the global reach and enduring appeal of thoroughbred racing. Each event offers a unique spectacle and showcases the athleticism of the horses and the skill of the jockeys and trainers involved. The Hong Kong race, however, carries the added weight of history, with Ka Ying Rising poised to potentially rewrite the record books and cement his legacy as one of the greatest sprinters in Hong Kong racing history.
The Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup is scheduled to begin at 4:35 PM local time at Sha Tin Racecourse. The February Stakes in Tokyo is set for a 3:40 PM post time, while the Prix de la Californie in Cagnes-sur-Mer will begin at 3:32 PM.
