Ka Ying Rising will return to the racecourse at Randwick on Tuesday, 6 October, with trainer David Hayes placing as much emphasis on behaviour as performance as the world’s highest-rated horse begins his final preparations for a defence of The Everest on 17 October.
The champion sprinter will use the 1000-metre barrier trial as an important dress rehearsal for his return to Australia. Hayes is particularly keen to see a calmer and more settled version of the superstar gelding after some anxious moments before last year’s corresponding trial.
Ka Ying Rising went on to make history last season, defeating Australia’s leading sprinters to become the first overseas horse to win the world’s richest turf race. Since then, the Hong Kong-trained sprinter has continued to strengthen his reputation, extending his remarkable winning sequence to 21 consecutive victories and reaching an international rating of 135.
Ka Ying Rising to Face Five Group 1 Entries
The Randwick trial will provide a strong test of Ka Ying Rising’s readiness, with five other horses entered for the session having links to the two major Group 1 races scheduled for 17 October.
Three of his potential Everest rivals — Joliestar, Angel Capital and Ninja — will line up alongside him. Amazing Journey and Apocalyptic, meanwhile, are entered for the King Charles III Stakes over 1609 metres.
Ka Ying Rising finished third behind Overpass and Linebacker in last season’s corresponding 1000-metre trial. Hayes believes the experience of returning to Australia should now be considerably easier for his stable star.
“He has substantially settled in a lot better than last year and he’s improved since last year, which is reflected in the fact that he’s now a higher-rated horse,” Hayes said.
For Hayes, Tuesday’s trial is not simply about the stopwatch. The trainer wants Ka Ying Rising to become familiar with the atmosphere and routine of an Australian racecourse before the pressure of The Everest returns.
“I want to see him trial like he does in Hong Kong. He doesn’t have to win, but he probably will,” Hayes said.
The focus will be on allowing the sprinter to stretch out, take in the surroundings and become comfortable with the different environment.
“I want him to stretch his legs, have a look at Randwick and get used to the surroundings,” Hayes said. “I want him to get used to being at the racecourse Australian-style – not Hong Kong.”
Hayes added that the trial would effectively serve as a rehearsal for the main assignment, expressing confidence that his star sprinter would perform strongly.
Purton to Partner Ka Ying Rising at Randwick
Ka Ying Rising is currently based at Canterbury Racecourse, around 13.5 kilometres from Randwick, and will be partnered by nine-time Hong Kong champion jockey Zac Purton in Tuesday’s trial.
The session is scheduled for 9am local time in Sydney, which is 6am Hong Kong time.
For Hayes, the most important outcome will be a composed and professional performance rather than simply another impressive trial result. With The Everest only 11 days away, every element of the preparation now carries added significance.
Ka Ying Rising arrives in Australia with an extraordinary record behind him, but Hayes knows that the final stages of preparation are about ensuring the champion is mentally ready as well as physically sharp.
Tuesday’s appearance at Randwick will therefore offer more than a glimpse of his fitness. It will show whether last year’s Australian experience has translated into a calmer, more mature campaign this time around.
The barrier trial will be broadcast live through the Club’s online platforms.
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