Ka Ying Rising has created history in the wake of his record-breaking performance in the G3 HKSAR Chief Executive’s Cup Handicap (1200m) at Sha Tin on Sunday (6 September) by achieving the highest rating ever awarded to a sprinter and returning to outright number one in the LONGINES World’s Best Racehorse Rankings (LWBRR).
Unbeaten in his past 21 starts, Ka Ying Rising rose to a new career peak mark of 135 – four points clear of Ombudsman (131) – when the latest interim rankings were released on Thursday, 10 September.
Undefeated since February 2024, Ka Ying Rising received the four-point rise after scorching to his sixth course record at Sha Tin, and a fifth over the 1200m turf course, with a blistering 1m 06.11s for a seven-and-three-quarter-length victory.
The ratings panel’s decision to elevate Ka Ying Rising to 135 saw him surpass the previous highest mark achieved by a sprinter – Australian champion Black Caviar, who was assessed at 132 after winning the 2011 G1 Newmarket Handicap (1200m) in record time. Black Caviar retired unbeaten after 25 starts.
Trained by David Hayes and ridden by Zac Purton, Ka Ying Rising concluded 2025 rated 128 and, this year, elevated his mark to 130 in May, 131 in July and now 135.
Ka Ying Rising’s latest ranking is the joint-fourth highest mark ever given to a horse in the history of the LWBRR behind Frankel, who scored 136 and 140 in 2011 and 2012, Flightline (140) and Sea The Stars (136).
It puts him on the same mark as Baaeed, Harbinger and Japan’s highest-ever rated horse Equinox (135).
Nine-time Group 1 winner Ka Ying Rising conceded 20lb to his opposition last weekend as he dominated from the front under top weight (135lb).
Ka Ying Rising has entered quarantine at Sha Tin and will travel to Sydney later this month for The Everest – the world’s richest turf race – at Royal Randwick on 17 October. - HKJC News
