MY DAY AT FWD CHAMPIONS DAY 2026

By Darren Winningham | Sunday, April 26, 2026

Ka Ying Rising — The Sprinter With Rocket Fuel

I have seen some quick ones back home, but Ka Ying Rising is built differently.

He is the type of sprinter who continues to destroy world class fields. He now has posted 20 consecutive wins. Watching him strut around the parade ring, then he strides onto the track – a sense of arrogance and expectation. WINNO could not help but think: this bloke does not just run — he detonates.

David Hayes and Zac Purton were left speechless after the race – all I can say is bring on The Everest at Randwick in October!

Another track record posted 1.07.10 only just beating his last start track record.

This was something to see.

Romantic Warrior — The Champion Who Owns Sha Tin

Then came the moment every Aussie racing fan dream of seeing Romantic Warrior in the flesh. WINNO had photographed him before, but standing there at Sha Tin, surrounded by 41,278 roaring fans, it hit differently.

This was not just a champion — this was Hong Kong’s Winx, a horse who lifts the whole place the moment he steps out.

WINNO felt the hairs stand up on the back of his neck.

This is why you travel to Hong Kong to not only witness greatness but to absorb and feel it trackside.

Romantic Warrior soundly defeated the best international field that he has faced on his home turf – validating the champion he is.

Not to mention that this is his fourth FWD QEII Cup.

Hong Kong Racing – the pinnacle of equine racing

Coming to Sha Tin is just one of those amazing experiences in life that should be experienced by every racing fan once in a lifetime. Hong Kong racing has its own rhythm - the crowd at parochial - the passion, the pride and the way a whole city gets behind its horses.

It reminded me of home. The big days at Randwick. The Winter Carnival afternoons at Doomben. The roar when a local hero hits the front and wins a feature race.

FWD Champions Day 2026

A day to remember - Ka Ying Rising, the rocket - Romantic Warrior, the legend.
Myself and the thousands of visiting Aussies in the stands - knowing that we had just witnessed was something special. 13,000 overseas visitors at Sha Tin – the HKJC were impressed.

I came for the champions and I was not disappointed – these experiences are humbling and I am eternally grateful for the opportunities that the Hong Kong Jockey Club and HRO has granted me.

I should return in December – seven months of torture awaiting my next opportunity to see these champions or the next wave of superstars to grace the Hong Kong turf.