'His ratings are exceptional' - Ka Ying Rising and Romantic Warrior feature on star-studded Group 1 card at Sha Tin

Far East superstars: Romantic Warrior (left) and Ka Ying Rising

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Ka Ying Rising returns to Group 1 action on Sunday for the first time since being crowned the world's best sprinter at the 2025 Longines World Racing Awards.

The David Hayes-trained five-year-old registered a remarkable 16th successive victory in last month's Hong Kong Sprint, and he was rewarded for his efforts at this week's ceremony in London.

The superstar sprinter, who was rated the co second-best horse of 2025 behind Calandagan, is the star attraction in the HK$13 million (£1.23m/€1.42m) Group 1 Centenary Sprint Cup at Sha Tin (7.00), and Hayes believes he remains in great form.

"His last start was probably his best win, and he seems no worse," he said.

"What’s so special about him is that he just keeps putting up consistent ratings that are exceptional. Everything tells me he’s the same. I'd say his form is very similar, but it’s hard to say better, isn’t it?"

Ka Ying Rising will bid to equal Silent Witness's record of 17 consecutive wins, and Hayes added: "I never thought that would happen, but it’s looking very realistic. If trackwork and trials are any guide, he’s held his form and it’s exciting for the weekend."

Thirteen-time Hong Kong champion trainer John Size will be represented in the Group 1 with Raging Blizzard, who finished second behind Ka Ying Rising last month, and Helios Express, who was further back in fifth.

Size said: "I don’t think there’s much between them at this stage of their careers; it just depends on the circumstances of the race, the tempo, and the track conditions on the day. Raging Blizzard ran a big race on International day to finish second, and Helios Express has been consistent too."

Big clash in Stewards' Cup

The HK$13m Group 1 Stewards' Cup (8.05) is the other top-level contest on the card and Romantic Warrior, who was named in the top ten of the world's best horses, bids to follow up his victory in last month's Hong Kong Cup.

The Danny Shum-trained seven-year-old is the world’s highest-earning racehorse, with more than £24m in prize-money earnings, and has finished outside the top two just twice in his 27 appearances.

Last year's Champions Mile winner Red Lion, who is trained by Size, will take on Romantic Warrior and Hong Kong Mile winner Voyage Bubble in the first leg of the Triple Crown.

James McDonald will continue his partnership with Romantic Warrior and said: "I’m looking forward to the big clash. It’s a pretty competitive race. It’s going to be no pushover, but you can’t have a better partner than Romantic Warrior to go to war with.

"It’s back in trip a little bit, but he’s got so much pace. He’s such a star racehorse, and he’ll give his best every time. It doesn’t matter what distance, it doesn’t matter what surface, Romantic Warrior’s a champion, and he’ll get the job done."

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