STAGE SET FOR A CLASH OF THE TITANS WITH KA YING RISING AND ROMANTIC WARRIOR THE HEADLINE ACTS

By Darren Winningham | Thursday, April 23, 2026

The countdown is on!

On Sunday, 25 April 2026, Sha Tin Racecourse will host one of the most anticipated editions of FWD Champions Day in its history — a meeting defined not just by world-class racing, but by the extraordinary calibre of Hong Kong’s homegrown super stars of the turf.

This year, the Hong Kong Jockey Club will distribute a record-breaking HK$78 million across three Group 1 features, a clear signal of intent that has already attracted global interest. Horses from Japan, France, and Great Britain are lining up for a chance to dethrone Hong Kong’s dominant trio: Kay Ying Rising, Romantic Warrior, and Voyage Bubble.

These are not just champions — they are the pillars of Hong Kong racing’s modern era. On this day in 2026 may be the last time we see them all converge on the same stage.
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HK$24 million G1 Chairman’s Sprint Prize (1200m)

A pure speed test – is there another track record about to fall?

Kay Ying Rising, Hong Kong’s sprinting sensation, faces a wave of international challengers eager to exploit any chink in his armour. But at home, over 1200 metres, he remains the benchmark – the track record holder, he is undefeated in his past 19 starts.

HK$24 million G1 FWD Champions Mile (1600m)

Voyage Bubble returns to post his first win in the race after being beaten in a dramatic photo finish last year. He carries the hopes of a fanbase that has followed him from underdog to superstar. My Wish steps up for Mark Newnham, bursting with talent and ready to deliver that big home-turf win.

The mile race is deep this year – the Japanese have lodged an assault on the race.

HK$30 million G1 FWD QEII Cup (2000m)

The headline act for mine.

Romantic Warrior, the global warrior himself, steps onto the Sha Tin turf for what may be one of the final major battles of his career. The QEII Cup has long been his kingdom, but the challengers are circling. Japan is sending depth. France is sending class with the LONGINES International Hong Kong Vase winner Sosie.
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The HKJC is preparing for record crowds, fuelled by a resurgence in racing’s popularity and the attraction of these three Hong Kong super stars of the turf. The atmosphere is expected to echo the great Hong Kong champions — Silent Witness, Beauty Generation, Able Friend — when the grandstands swelled and the locals attended with belief and passion.

Being present on track is emotional for me as well – these horses are a privilege to see perform every time I come to Hong Kong.

Champions Day 2026 isn’t just another meeting. It is a crossroads.

A chance for the world to challenge Hong Kong’s best.

The meeting has been branded by the HKJC as “The Pride of Hong Kong – TWO TITANS” referring to Ka Ying Rising and Romantic Warrior.

Yet another chance for Hong Kong’s champions to defend their turf!

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