Former Hong Kong-based jockey Chad Schofield believes Tempted has the quality to challenge Ka Ying Rising in the AU$20 million G1 The Everest (1200m) at Randwick Racecourse in Sydney, Australia, on Saturday, 17 October. With heavy rain affecting the course ahead of the world’s richest turf race, the unbeaten mare’s record on wet ground could prove an important factor in the contest.
Schofield, who rode 208 winners in Hong Kong before moving to Australia in 2021, holds Ka Ying Rising in the highest regard. The world’s top-rated horse will attempt to extend an extraordinary winning streak to 22 races while seeking a second consecutive victory in The Everest. However, Schofield believes Tempted, who has won all five of her starts since finishing second to the Hong Kong champion in last year’s renewal, has the ability to turn the tables.
Chad Schofield backs Tempted to challenge Ka Ying Rising
Schofield acknowledged the exceptional ability of Ka Ying Rising, pointing to the horse’s record-breaking performance at Sha Tin as evidence of his remarkable speed. On 6 September, the champion captured the G3 HKSAR Chief Executive’s Cup Handicap (1200m) in 1 minute 6.11 seconds, breaking the Sha Tin 1200m course record.
“The clock doesn’t lie, he’s (Ka Ying Rising) the most amazing racehorse and probably one of the best we’ve seen,” Schofield said.
Despite his admiration for the Hong Kong star, the jockey is relishing the opportunity to partner a rival he believes can mount a serious challenge.
“But to head into an Everest on a horse I think is capable of knocking him off is special and I’m in a very fortunate position,” he said.
Schofield also highlighted Tempted’s exceptional acceleration and the contrasting racing styles of the two contenders, suggesting their meeting could produce a memorable contest.
“She’s a horse with the most amazing turn of foot. He (Ka Ying Rising) obviously has a completely different racing style to her and it’s going to create an amazing race and a great spectacle. May the best horse win.”
Heavy Randwick track could favour Tempted
Tempted’s trainer, Ciaron Maher, has pointed to the mare’s outstanding record on rain-affected ground as a potential advantage. She has won all four of her starts on wet tracks, a statistic that takes on added significance after Randwick Racecourse was rated Heavy 8 on Friday morning, 16 October.
The course received 99mm of rain during the week, raising questions about how the conditions might influence the leading contenders.
Maher, however, was careful not to underestimate Ka Ying Rising, whose previous victory in The Everest demonstrated his ability to handle the demands of the race. The Hong Kong star is making his second trip to Australia, and Maher believes the experience could work in his favour.
“I feel it’s pretty similar to last year. Ka Ying, it’s his second time travelling and no doubt things would be smoother for him this time around, and he was able to win and win quite easy last time,” Maher said.
“He’s obviously the world’s best for a reason and I feel he’s in better order than last time. He’s a freak of nature.”
Addressing concerns about Ka Ying Rising’s lack of experience on a heavy track, Maher remained confident that the champion would be difficult to beat.
“He’s still going to be mighty, mighty hard to beat, I feel. It might be a little bit wetter, but he’s probably in better order and he knows what he’s in for.”
While Tempted’s wet-track record offers an encouraging reference point, the final outcome will depend on how both horses respond to the conditions over the 1200m journey.
Ka Ying Rising targets another historic achievement
Ka Ying Rising’s trainer, David Hayes, is satisfied with the preparation of the dual Hong Kong Horse of the Year for 2024/25 and 2025/26. The champion arrives in Sydney with the opportunity to strengthen his standing among the great sprinters of the modern era.
Victory would make Ka Ying Rising the first overseas-trained horse to win The Everest twice, adding another milestone to an already distinguished career.
Success would also bring his Group 1 tally to 10, matching Golden Sixty’s achievement and placing him joint second on Hong Kong’s all-time list. Romantic Warrior currently holds the record with 15 Group 1 victories.
The Everest will be run at 1.15pm Hong Kong time on Saturday, 17 October. With Ka Ying Rising pursuing another landmark achievement and Tempted bringing an unbeaten five-race sequence into the contest, the clash promises to be one of the principal attractions of the Randwick meeting.
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