EVEREST FAVOURITE, THE DAVID HAYES TRAINED KA YING RISING STRUTS HIS STUFF IN A HONG KONG TRIAL

By Hong Kong Jockey Club (Declan Schuster) | Saturday, August 30, 2025

It was business as usual for Ka Ying Rising at Sha Tin this evening (Saturday, 30 August). Hong Kong’s Horse of the Year (2024/25) strode confidently through another eye-catching barrier trial ahead of his highly anticipated return to racing next weekend (Sunday, 7 September) at the 2025/26 Season Opener.

A winner of his past 12 consecutive races, headlined by four at Group 1 level, David Hayes’ record-breaking sprinter clocked an unforced 56.45s over 1000m on turf by two lengths in first place as he prepares to defend his HK$3.72 million Class 1 HKSAR Chief Executive’s Cup Handicap (1200m) crown at Sha Tin on Sunday week.

Two-time Hong Kong Champion Trainer (1997/98 & 1998/99) Hayes said: “Pleasure to watch. He’s so fluent, his action is perfect and, the most important thing, he’s mentally more mature this year.

“Last year if you watch his trials, he was jumpy and out of his skin a bit – too fresh. This year he’s walking around how you want them to walk around.”

Now a five-year-old, Ka Ying Rising will enter quarantine in Hong Kong for a fortnight straight after his first-up run in the HKSAR Chief Executive’s Cup as he prepares to fly to Sydney, Australia for his shot at the AU$20 million (approx. HK$100.34 million) G1 The Everest (1200m) at Royal Randwick.

“To run 56s with his eyes shut is pretty impressive. He’s a more mature horse now, so he’s always going to be heavier (body weight) than last year,” Hayes said. “He’ll come down with this trial, but I want a bit of wriggle room for travelling and, I think by Everest time we should have him at around 1,150 (pounds) – which is about 15 pounds heavier than last year.”

Zac Purton was aboard Ka Ying Rising as he crossed the line to the sound of a light cheer from the crowd in attendance at today’s Owners Carnival. Along with the mantle as Hong Kong Horse of the Year last season, freakish talent Ka Ying Rising was also acclaimed Hong Kong Champion Sprinter (2024/25) and Hong Kong Champion Four-Year-Old (2024/25).

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