There’s always plenty of buzz in the lead-up to the Hong Kong season opener, but Sunday’s Sha Tin meeting takes on even greater significance as it doubles as the farewell party for the world’s best sprinter, Ka Ying Rising.

Initially hesitant to run Ka Ying Rising under handicap conditions in the scorching September sun – lobbying Jockey Club officials for a set weights contest – trainer David Hayes will pit his superstar against 11 worthy adversaries in the Class One HKSAR Chief Executive’s Cup (1,200m), most of whom are in receipt of 20lb from the gun speedster.

Ka Ying Rising, the reigning Horse of the Year, is still expected to jump a red-hot favourite as he chases a 13th consecutive victory before heading straight into quarantine ahead of his tilt at the A$20 million (HK$102 million) The Everest (1,200m) in Sydney next month.

Sitting atop the Hayes-trained galloper on Sunday afternoon will be Zac Purton, who enters this term fresh off another record-breaking campaign where he passed Douglas Whyte’s all-time win record of 1,813 and landed an eighth jockeys’ premiership.

All being well, Purton will finish 2025-26 with more than 2,000 Hong Kong winners and a ninth title in his keeping.

While many of Purton’s main rivals remain the same – Hugh Bowman, Andrea Atzeni, Brenton Avdulla and Karis Teetan are all still there – the jockeys’ ranks take on a slightly different complexion thanks to the inclusion of Welsh rider David Probert and the return of Briton Richard Kingscote.

While racing fans will be eager to farewell Ka Ying Rising, they’ll be equally excited to welcome back jockey Vincent Ho Chak-yiu, who returns to the saddle almost seven months after suffering serious head injuries in a race fall in February.

Also back in action is Lyle Hewitson, who missed the final weeks of last season after suffering wrist and ankle fractures in a Happy Valley tumble.

The biggest change comes in the form of the addition of South African Brett Crawford to the trainers’ cohort, with the handler eyeing the perfect start to his Hong Kong career when he sends around Speedy Smartie on opening day.

John Size will start the season as the nominal favourite to bag a 14th trainers’ premiership, but he’ll face stiff competition from a raft of rivals.

On the track this Sunday, the city’s riders will for the first time have to negotiate new rules which limit whip use before the 100m mark of races, while strong field sizes – normally far from a given early in the season – will have officials hoping for record turnover figures.

Hopes will also be high for a bumper crowd, not only to see Ka Ying Rising but also to experience a host of “game-changing” new Sha Tin facilities targeted largely at younger generations.

Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu will be on course to strike the gong to open the new season before presenting the Chief Executive’s Cup after race three, while MC Cheung will perform in the parade ring before the first race.

And if that’s not enough Sunday action for Hong Kong racing fans, Chancheng Glory and Self Improvement will be flying the Bauhinia flag abroad in their respective Group Three contests on the deep sand of Seoul Racecourse.