Heaving to Score at Sha Tin: Ka Ying Rising Aims for History | City A.M.

Sha Tin Racecourse in Hong Kong is poised to witness a historic moment on Sunday, February 22, 2026, as Ka Ying Rising attempts to secure an unprecedented 18th consecutive victory in the Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup. The David Hayes-trained horse is aiming to surpass Silent Witness’s longstanding record of 17 straight wins, a feat achieved over two decades ago.

The seven-furlong Group 1 race, with a purse of HK$13 million (approximately US$1.66 million), presents a seemingly straightforward challenge for the five-year-old son of Shamexpress. Having already demonstrated dominance with 18 wins from 20 starts, Ka Ying Rising is currently rated 138 and has amassed earnings of HK$129.85 million. His recent accolades include being crowned Hong Kong Champion Griffin (2023-24), Hong Kong Champion Sprinter (2024-25), Hong Kong Champion 4-Year-Old (2024-25), and Hong Kong Horse of the Year (2024-25).

Trainer David Hayes expressed confidence in his horse’s preparation, stating, “His gallop was good – it was just his usual Ka Ying Rising gallop, and he’s very much in his routine, and it seems to suit him.” Hayes anticipates a tactical race, noting Ka Ying Rising’s versatility. “If they go too fast in the race he’ll sit second or third and if they go too slow, he’ll lead,” he explained. Jockey Zac Purton’s uncomplicated approach to riding the horse is also seen as a key advantage.

The significance of this race extends beyond the record attempt. Ka Ying Rising’s consistent performance has captivated Hong Kong’s racing community, and a victory would further solidify his status as a racing superstar. The horse’s success is particularly notable given his relatively recent rise to prominence, with his unbeaten streak beginning in February 2024. He has already secured seven Group 1 wins during this period.

While Ka Ying Rising is heavily favored, the supporting card at Sha Tin offers potential betting opportunities. David Eustace’s HEAVING is considered a strong contender in the Rose Handicap (10:20am), also over seven furlongs. The former Australian import, a three-time winner in his home country, has shown promise in his four Hong Kong races, finishing fourth to Emblazon in his most recent outing. A favorable draw in gate five and the guidance of jockey Jerry Chau are expected to improve his chances.

Eustace also has Sea Diamond competing in the Heung Kuk Centenary Cup Handicap (7:00am) over six furlongs. The stable is reportedly optimistic about both horses’ prospects, suggesting a potentially successful morning for Eustace’s team.

HEAVING’s performance is particularly interesting given his recent run. Despite facing unfavorable conditions from gate 14 in his previous race, he demonstrated strong finishing speed, indicating potential for improvement. The better draw this time around is expected to allow him to secure a more advantageous position early in the race.

The Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup itself features nine rivals for Ka Ying Rising, including Lucky Sweynesse, who is rated 16 pounds behind the favorite. However, the overwhelming consensus is that defeat for Ka Ying Rising is highly improbable. His previous victory in this race last year, by a length and a half, further underscores his suitability for the course and distance.

The race is scheduled to begin at 8:35am local time, offering an early start for international viewers. The event is expected to draw significant attention, not only from local racing enthusiasts but also from a global audience eager to witness a potential record-breaking performance. The combination of Ka Ying Rising’s exceptional form, Hayes’s confident preparation, and the compelling supporting card promises a captivating day of racing at Sha Tin.

The success of both Ka Ying Rising and HEAVING would represent a significant achievement for their respective trainers, David Hayes and David Eustace, further solidifying their reputations within the highly competitive Hong Kong racing circuit. The outcome of Sunday’s races will undoubtedly be closely watched by industry professionals and casual fans alike.