There was a kiss from trainer David Hayes, a soft cheer from the crowd, and a satisfied smile from jockey Zac Purton — the Sha Tin faithful knew they had just witnessed something special. Ka Ying Rising, Hong Kong’s reigning Horse of the Year, returned to the turf on Saturday evening with yet another effortless trial win ahead of his highly anticipated comeback at next weekend’s 2025/26 Season Opener.
Ka Ying Rising’s Dominant Trial Performance
It was business as usual for the record-breaking sprinter as he cruised home first in a 1000m turf barrier trial, stopping the clock at a smooth 56.3s (13.3, 21.0, 22.0) and finishing two lengths clear of his rivals. The win was a crucial stepping stone ahead of his defence of the HK$3.72 million Class 1 HKSAR Chief Executive’s Cup Handicap (1200m) at Sha Tin on Sunday, 7 September.
Hayes, who secured back-to-back Hong Kong Champion Trainer titles in 1997/98 and 1998/99, was delighted with the display.
“Pleasure to watch,” Hayes said. “He’s so fluent, his action is perfect and, most importantly, he’s mentally more mature this year. Last year he was a bit too fresh and nervous in trials, but now he walks around exactly how you want them to.”
Eyes on The Everest After Sha Tin Return
Now a five-year-old superstar, Ka Ying Rising will enter quarantine immediately after his first-up run in Hong Kong before flying to Sydney for his shot at the AU$20 million (approx. HK$100.34 million) Group 1 The Everest (1200m) at Royal Randwick.
Hayes is cautiously optimistic about the journey ahead:
“To run 56.3s with his eyes shut is pretty impressive. He’s a bigger, stronger horse now — he’ll come down a bit in body weight, but I want some wriggle room for travelling. By the time we get to The Everest, I expect him to be around 1,150 pounds — about 15 pounds heavier than last year.”
Zac Purton Praises Ka Ying Rising’s Composure
Purton, who guided the champion home, admitted there was only one minor flaw — a rare leg change mid-trial.
“He never changes legs normally, but today he did,” Hayes explained. “That happens when they’re not under pressure, and Zac was happy with how smoothly he handled everything else.”
The crowd at Sha Tin’s Owners Carnival applauded as the five-time Hong Kong champion jockey eased his mount down past the line, a fitting tribute to a horse who has become a genuine superstar.
Hewitson Set for Sha Tin Comeback
In other news, South African rider Lyle Hewitson is set to make his long-awaited return at Sha Tin next Sunday after recovering from injuries sustained in a race fall at Happy Valley last June.
The 27-year-old, who has been based in Hong Kong since 2021/22, has 149 career wins and is eyeing his 150th milestone victory.
“I’ve done a lot of work during the break,” Hewitson said. “Lots of physio, Pilates, and recovery sessions. I was cleared two weeks earlier than expected, so I’m ready and excited to get back.”
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