Imagine a racehorse so dominant, so relentless, that it wins 17 races in a row. That’s the legendary Silent Witness, a name that still echoes through Hong Kong’s racing history. But now, a new challenger is on the brink of surpassing this iconic record. Ka Ying Rising, a five-year-old sprinter, stands on the cusp of making history with an 18th consecutive victory in the HK$13 million G1 Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup on February 22nd. This isn’t just about breaking records; it’s about rewriting the narrative of Hong Kong’s racing legacy.
David Hayes, the Australian Racing Hall of Fame trainer, can’t hide his excitement. He’s already achieved the extraordinary by matching Silent Witness’s 17-win streak, a feat he describes as “magic.” But surpassing it? That’s the stuff of dreams. Hayes marvels at Ka Ying Rising’s versatility, noting that the horse is stretching beyond his comfort zone to tackle the 1400m distance—a testament to his unmatched ability. “The expectation is for him to win,” Hayes admits, “but he’s never let us down, and I don’t think he will now.”
But here’s where it gets controversial: Can Ka Ying Rising truly eclipse Silent Witness’s legacy? Silent Witness wasn’t just a racehorse; he was a symbol of hope during one of Hong Kong’s darkest periods. Between 2002 and 2005, as the city grappled with the SARS epidemic and economic turmoil, Silent Witness became the “Spirit of Hong Kong,” proving that even the greatest challenges could be overcome. His victories—including two Hong Kong Sprint titles, two Centenary Sprint Cups, and a Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup—weren’t just wins; they were moments of unity and resilience.
Tony Cruz, Silent Witness’s trainer, reflects on his charge’s unique character. “He was confident, relaxed, a true professional,” Cruz recalls. “Even at the starting gate, he had this unshakable determination. If another horse tried to pass him, he’d fight back. He refused to be overtaken.” Felix Coetzee, Silent Witness’s jockey for all 29 career starts, echoes this sentiment. Despite a career adorned with Group 1 victories and three South African champion jockey titles, Coetzee insists Silent Witness was in a league of his own. “He was something special,” Coetzee says. “Anyone could have won on him—I was just lucky to be there.”
And this is the part most people miss: While Ka Ying Rising’s talent is undeniable—he was recently crowned the world’s best sprinter—Silent Witness’s impact transcended the racetrack. Now retired at 26 and living at the Living Legends facility in Australia, Silent Witness remains Hong Kong’s greatest racehorse in the eyes of many. But if Ka Ying Rising clinches that 18th win, will the crown change hands? Hayes, for one, is grateful to have trained such a remarkable horse at this stage of his career. “I keep pinching myself,” the 63-year-old admits. “I’ve trained two of the highest-rated horses in the world, but nothing compares to this.”
As the racing world holds its breath, one question lingers: Can Ka Ying Rising not only break the record but also capture the hearts of Hong Kong like Silent Witness did? What do you think? Can a new champion truly replace the ‘Spirit of Hong Kong’? Share your thoughts in the comments—this is a debate that’s sure to spark passion on both sides.
