Hong Kong’s racing scene just hit a historic high—and it’s all thanks to one extraordinary sprinter. Ka Ying Rising has soared to become Hong Kong’s highest-rated racehorse ever, securing an equal second spot in the prestigious 2025 Longines World’s Best Racehorse Rankings with a staggering mark of 128. But here’s where it gets even more impressive: this champion sprinter, trained by David Hayes, achieved this feat after an undefeated streak of eight races last year, outshining even Hong Kong legends like Able Friend, Beauty Generation, and Golden Sixty. Yet, he was narrowly outpaced only by France’s Calandagan, who scored 130 after a jaw-dropping year of Group One victories across Europe and Japan. And this is the part most people miss: despite Ka Ying Rising’s triumph, only 10 Hong Kong horses made it onto the WBRR list, continuing a downward trend that’s been simmering since 2008. Is Hong Kong’s racing dominance slipping, or is this just a temporary dip?
Joining Ka Ying Rising in the top 10 is Romantic Warrior, ranked equal seventh with a mark of 127, proving once again why he’s a powerhouse in middle-distance racing. Triple Crown hero Voyage Bubble trailed behind with a respectable 121, but it’s clear that Hong Kong’s elite horses are punching above their weight—especially when you consider the city has just 1,350 horses, a tiny fraction of the global thoroughbred population. Jockey Club CEO Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges aptly noted, ‘To have two Hong Kong-trained horses among the world’s top 10 is a remarkable achievement.’ But here’s the controversial bit: while Hong Kong’s sprint program is undeniably strong, the city’s overall representation on the global stage seems to be shrinking. Are we witnessing a shift in the racing world’s power dynamics, or is Hong Kong simply refocusing its efforts?
Adding to the accolades, 11 of Hong Kong’s premier races made it into the 2025 Longines World’s Top 100 Group One races—up from eight the previous year. The Hong Kong Cup, won by Romantic Warrior for the fourth consecutive time, ranked 20th globally with a rating of 120.5. Meanwhile, the Japan Cup and Champion Stakes, both dominated by Calandagan, tied for the top spot with a rating of 126.25. Andrew Harding, Jockey Club’s executive director of racing, emphasized, ‘The inclusion of 11 Hong Kong races in the Top 100 is a powerful endorsement of our elite program.’ But let’s not forget the bigger question: With fewer Hong Kong horses making the global cut, is the city’s racing scene evolving or struggling to keep up?
Ka Ying Rising’s historic rating isn’t just a win for him—it’s a testament to Hong Kong’s sprinting prowess and the dedication of trainers, owners, and caregivers. Yet, as we celebrate these achievements, it’s worth asking: What does the future hold for Hong Kong racing? Will it continue to dominate sprints while facing challenges in other categories, or will it rise to reclaim its broader global standing? Share your thoughts below—let’s spark a debate!
