Tuesday 28 April 2026 — Racing is witnessing a legend in the making. For the past year, fans and pundits have debated whether Hong Kong superstar sprinter Ka Ying Rising surpasses Australian wonder-mare Black Caviar, who remained unbeaten in 25 starts from 2009 to 2013.
Timeform's Verdict
Ratings experts Timeform have now settled the debate, awarding Ka Ying Rising a rating of 137 — one point higher than Black Caviar. This marks him as the top sprinter of the century and one of the best in Timeform's history.
Only Abernant (rated 142) and Pappa Fourway (rated 139), champions over 70 years ago, have achieved higher ratings since Timeform's establishment in 1948.
Timeform's lead Flat Analyst David Johnson told the Nick Luck Daily podcast: "Ka Ying Rising, the world's best sprinter, has a new Timeform rating of 137 — an increase from his pre-race figure of 135."
Dominant Performance
Johnson added: "At the weekend he was eased down to win a second Chairman's Prize, extending his winning sequence to 20, beating Satono Reve by almost twice as far as he did last year."
The rating of 137 places Ka Ying Rising above modern greats like Black Caviar and Battaash (both 136), level with Dayjur and Moorestyle. He is joint third among Timeform's historic top sprinters.
Johnson noted: "Abernant was the dominant sprinter of 1949 and 1950, winning the King's Stand, two July Cups, two Nunthorpes, and two King Georges. Pappa Fourway won the King's Stand, July Cup, and Diadem in 1955. What we're seeing from Ka Ying Rising definitely puts him in that all-time great status."
Comparison with European Sprinters
Emphasising the gulf in class, Johnson said: "Look at how he compares to current European horses. Lazzat on 124 is the highest-rated European sprinter and he beat Satono Reve by just half a length in last year's Queen Elizabeth Jubilee Stakes. That gives context to the different league Ka Ying Rising is operating in."
He added: "It would be great to see him at Royal Ascot, but to suggest he has to come here to prove anything is parochial. What he's doing in Hong Kong is enough to earn all-time great status."
Future Plans
Ka Ying Rising's next assignment is a trip to Sydney for The Everest on October 17. He will then defend his title against international challengers at Sha Tin until next May. Trainer David Hayes may then consider a Royal Ascot bid.
