New Zealand’s reputation as a powerhouse in the world of horse breeding has once again found the global spotlight, with two of its most promising exports Ka Ying Rising and Mr Brightside poised to compete on one of Hong Kong’s grandest racing stages: FWD Champions Day at Sha Tin. The anticipation is high, not just for the trainers and jockeys directly involved, but also for breeders and bloodstock agents thousands of kilometers away in New Zealand, where the roots of these champions lie.
Among the contenders, Ka Ying Rising has captured particular attention. Bred at Windsor Park Stud in the Waikato region, this four-year-old gelding has built an extraordinary record, marked by consistent top-tier performances. His success has not only rejuvenated interest in his sire, Shamexpress, but also reaffirmed New Zealand’s capability to nurture elite-level sprinters. It’s worth noting that Ka Ying Rising’s achievements are the best representation of Shamexpress’s lineage, boosting his value and visibility in the breeding circuit once again after years of relative dormancy.
The impact of Ka Ying Rising extends beyond personal victories. His streak of wins has stirred enthusiasm across the New Zealand racing community and renewed international interest in its breeding programs. With Hong Kong buyers already familiar with the region’s thoroughbred excellence, stories like this only strengthen ongoing trade and investment. The fact that the horse was the first bred by trainer Fraser Auret adds another layer of inspiration to this narrative, symbolizing not just pedigree, but the emergence of new talent in New Zealand’s breeding scene.
Meanwhile, Mr Brightside adds another chapter to this story of trans-Tasman success. Although his initial run in New Zealand wasn’t groundbreaking, his career trajectory transformed dramatically after moving to Australia. Bought initially for a modest sum, Mr Brightside eventually became a prized member of the Hayes family’s racing operation. His bloodline, featuring Bullbars and Darley mare Accessories, connects him to a lineage of respected names, though Bullbars himself remained relatively obscure before producing this standout runner.
What’s remarkable is how Mr Brightside has become a defining horse for Bullbars—an unheralded stallion who has now left a legacy, even as he exited the breeding scene following his reported passing before the 2023 season. Mr Brightside’s evolution from an under-the-radar auction purchase to a front-runner in a Group 1 race reflects not just excellent training and management, but also the latent potential of New Zealand’s breeding stock.
The involvement of the Hayes family, across generations, ties both Ka Ying Rising and Mr Brightside into a broader legacy. With names like Dulcify and Zabeel already etched into the annals of racing history under the Hayes banner, these current contenders represent both continuity and evolution. Each victory adds another layer to the family’s impressive record with New Zealand-bred stars.
As FWD Champions Day approaches, the excitement transcends borders. For a nation like New Zealand, where the breeding industry is both a heritage and a livelihood, the potential triumph of these horses isn’t just a sporting achievement—it’s a validation of decades of dedication, skill, and belief in the power of their bloodlines.
