Day: 8 September 2025

Zac Purton has declared Ka Ying Rising’s (NZ) (Shamexpress) outstanding win in the HK$3.72 million Class 1 HKSAR Chief Executive’s Cup Handicap (1200m) at Sha Tin on Sunday the equal-best of the champion sprinter’s stunning career. Extending his unbeaten streak to 13 wins, Ka Ying Rising brushed aside quality opposition under 135lb to triumph in 1m 07.63s – marginally outside his own track record of 1m 07.20s – despite being eased down by Purton as the gelding swept to his 14th win in 16 starts for David Hayes. The world’s…

Six years in the making, El Vencedor (NZ) (Shocking) now stands as New Zealand’schampion. The Cambridge-trained galloper was crowned Sport Nation Horse of the Year for 202425 at New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing’s black-tie Awards dinner in Hamilton onSunday night, proof that some champions simply need time to flourish. At six, El Vencedor reached spectacular new heights, becoming the only New Zealandtrained horse to win three Group 1 races this season. His dominance saw him secure 45of the 55 votes cast for the sport’s ultimate honour. He also claimed the Champion…

The Lindsay Park stable of Ben, Will and J D Hayes are in a quandary as to the best way to get Mr Brightside (NZ) (Bullbars) to his Group One target of the spring. The Gr.1 King Charles III Stakes (1600m) at Randwick on October 18 has been earmarked for the nine-time winner at Group 1 level. Ben Hayes said he and his brothers had discussed options for the eight-year-old who returned with a pleasing second in the Gr.1 Memsie Stakes (1600m) at Caulfield on August 30. The Gr.1 Makybe…