In a thrilling display of speed and skill, the 47th Champions Sprint Prize unfolded on April 27, 2025, at Sha Tin Racecourse in Hong Kong, where the local star KA YING RISING showcased his dominance in the sprinting world. The race, held over a distance of 1200 meters, saw a competitive field, including several Japanese contenders, but it was the Hong Kong sprinter who claimed victory in spectacular fashion.
Ridden by the accomplished jockey Zac Purton, KA YING RISING displayed an electrifying performance, finishing the race with a remarkable ease that left spectators in awe. This victory marked the horse's 12th consecutive win, solidifying his reputation as a formidable force in the sprinting arena. The way KA YING RISING quickened from 400 meters out was described as "frightening" by the Hong Kong Racing Twitter account, capturing the excitement of fans and experts alike.
Japanese participation in the race included four notable horses: Satono Reve, ridden by Joao Moreira; Danon Mckinley, with Damian Lane in the saddle; Lugal, piloted by Masaya Kawada; and Entscheiden, guided by Craig Williams. Despite their efforts, none of the Japanese entries could secure a win, with Satono Reve finishing a commendable second, marking the best result for Japanese-trained horses in this event's history.
Historically, Japanese horses have struggled in the Champions Sprint Prize, with only six previous entries and the highest finish being a fourth-place by Finest City in 2018. However, Satono Reve's second-place finish has now set a new benchmark for future competitors from Japan, demonstrating their growing competitiveness in international racing.
While Satono Reve made a strong showing, the other Japanese contenders faced challenges. Lugal finished in fifth place, while Entscheiden and Danon Mckinley trailed behind, finishing in 12th and 13th places, respectively. The results reflect the ongoing dominance of local horses in this prestigious sprint, as Hong Kong-trained horses have consistently occupied the top spots in recent years.
In a related event, the excitement continued at Sha Tin with the upcoming Queen Elizabeth II Cup (G1), where the French-trained horse Go Athletico, owned by American John Stewart, was set to participate. Stewart actively engaged with Hong Kong racing fans through his social media platform, inviting them to a special event at the Peninsula Hotel. His message on X (formerly Twitter) read, "Hong Kong racing fans, please come and see us. Go Athletico's card has arrived in Hong Kong with the Resolute Racing team. Please come to the event held at the Peninsula Hotel tomorrow, April 27, from 9am to 11am." This initiative mirrors his successful outreach to Japanese fans during the Japan Cup last year, indicating his commitment to fostering international connections within the racing community.
The Champions Sprint Prize continues to be a significant event in the racing calendar, drawing attention from around the world. As the race concluded, the focus shifted to the Queen Elizabeth II Cup, where expectations are high for another thrilling display of equestrian talent. With the local horses showcasing their prowess and international competitors like Go Athletico making their mark, the stage is set for an exhilarating continuation of the racing festivities at Sha Tin.
As fans and participants alike look forward to the next races, the Champions Sprint Prize has once again highlighted the fierce competition and the unpredictable nature of horse racing. With KA YING RISING's impressive win, the question remains: can any horse challenge his dominance in the future? The excitement of racing is never-ending, and as the season unfolds, fans will be eagerly watching to see how the story develops.
