Hong Kong Jockey Club Considers Moving Major Race to Conghua for Ka Ying Rising

The Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC) is considering a significant proposal to move the Group Two Jockey Club Sprint (1,200m) to Conghua in November. This race is a key lead-up to the Group One Hong Kong Sprint in December.

Regular racing at Conghua, located in Guangzhou's northern district, is set to commence later this year with its first meeting scheduled for October 31. The potential relocation of the Jockey Club Sprint would aim to introduce the world's best sprinter, Ka Ying Rising, to fans across the border.

Ka Ying Rising, holder of a Hong Kong record 19 consecutive wins and currently topping the Longines World’s Best Racehorse Rankings, would be a major attraction for the Conghua meeting.

HKJC boss Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges stated, “It would be big news on the mainland – the world’s best horse running there.” He added that the club is exploring ways to enhance the meeting, with this being one consideration. The proposal requires approval from the international pattern committee and necessitates careful planning for quarantine arrangements, especially for overseas horses.

“We would have to talk to our sponsor, so therefore there are a lot of things to consider,” Engelbrecht-Bresges noted. A decision on the feasibility is expected within two months. He expressed excitement about Conghua's upcoming launch and how this event would further elevate it.

Ka Ying Rising has frequently used Conghua's training facilities, with trainer David Hayes preparing the eight-time Group One winner there between races. Both Hayes and owner Leung Shek-kong support the idea of staging the Jockey Club Sprint at Conghua.

“He trials well and he’s well-rehearsed in Conghua, so I haven’t got an issue with Conghua,” said Hayes. He also pointed out the financial benefit, stating, “The thing that makes sense is there’s no betting [on the mainland] and every time he runs, the club loses a lot of money, so I think it’s not a bad thing.”

Hayes expressed enthusiasm for the challenge if the horse remains healthy, emphasizing the significance for China: “It’s a big thing for China having him there. The whole world wants him and Conghua’s getting him.”

Ka Ying Rising has consistently been priced at $1.05, the minimum offered by the Jockey Club, in his recent Hong Kong starts, yet has continued to attract strong betting.

Looking ahead, Ka Ying Rising is set to pursue his 20th consecutive victory in the Group One Chairman's Sprint Prize on April 26. Following this, his attention will turn to defending his title in the A$20 million Group One The Everest at Randwick in October.

If Ka Ying Rising competes in the Jockey Club Sprint at Conghua, it would preclude him from participating in the Russell Balding Stakes in Australia two weeks later. Hayes explained the logistical advantage: “Last year he came back from The Everest and was prepared for the Hong Kong Sprint out of Hong Kong, because the lead-ups were here. This time he’ll be prepared for the Hong Kong Sprint out of China and he’s done that a lot in the past. He’ll get into his routine pretty easily.”