Ka Ying Rising gave his connections plenty of encouragement at Sha Tin on Sunday, August 30, producing a smooth barrier-trial performance as the unbeaten sprint star moved closer to his return to competitive racing.
The five-year-old, preparing for the opening meeting of Hong Kong’s 2026/27 season on September 6, was never asked for maximum effort in the 1,000-metre trial. Starting from barrier one among 11 runners, Ka Ying Rising gradually built through the middle of the course before drawing clear to finish two lengths ahead of Public Attention, with Magic Control in third.
Ka Ying Rising barrier trial is the latest indication that the champion sprinter has returned from his break in excellent condition.
Ridden by Zac Purton, Ka Ying Rising stopped the clock at 56.73 seconds. The figure was only slightly slower than the 56.45 seconds recorded in the corresponding trial last season, despite Purton keeping the reins relatively quiet throughout.
The trial was particularly significant because Ka Ying Rising is being prepared for another demanding campaign. The sprinter has won all 20 of his races to date and is rated joint No. 1 in the LONGINES World’s Best Racehorse Rankings.
Trainer David Hayes was encouraged by the way the horse moved and suggested there could still be improvement to come. After a spell designed to allow the sprinter to strengthen, Ka Ying Rising has returned looking bigger and stronger, with his preparation now centred on the first major assignment of the new Hong Kong season.
The immediate target is the HK$4.2 million G3 HKSAR Chief Executive’s Cup Handicap over 1200 metres at Sha Tin on September 6. Victory would give Ka Ying Rising a third consecutive success in the race and provide an early indication of his condition before a much bigger international challenge.
Purton has partnered Ka Ying Rising for 19 of his 21 victories, while Karis Teetan has ridden the other two. The leading jockey was satisfied with Sunday’s trial, noting that the horse travelled comfortably and appeared sharper than during the earlier stages of his preparation.
The return to turf was another positive factor. Ka Ying Rising had been working away from race conditions during his break, and his movement appeared more fluid once back on the Sha Tin grass.
The September 6 appearance will be only the beginning of the campaign. Following his first-up run, Ka Ying Rising is scheduled to enter a two-week quarantine period in Hong Kong before travelling to Sydney.
His major international objective will then be The Everest at Royal Randwick on October 17, where he will attempt to defend his title in the AU$20 million Group 1 sprint over 1200 metres.
For now, however, attention remains on Sha Tin. The Hong Kong season opener will provide Ka Ying Rising with his first opportunity to turn an encouraging trial into another race-day performance and begin the latest chapter of an extraordinary unbeaten record.
Ka Ying Rising will first return in the HKSAR Chief Executive’s Cup before travelling to Australia for The Everest at Royal Randwick on October 17. The Hong Kong season opener will therefore serve as an important first test ahead of his international campaign.
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