Ka Ying Rising Readies for Second Everest Attempt in Australia
Ka Ying Rising, the acclaimed racehorse, has concluded its final preparations in Hong Kong and is scheduled to depart for Australia this Sunday. This journey marks its second endeavor in The Everest, a highly anticipated Group 1 turf sprint. Following an impressive track gallop at Sha Tin, where the champion exhibited outstanding form, trainer David Hayes conveyed his assurance regarding the horse's readiness. Ka Ying Rising, with aspirations of securing another triumph in the world's most lucrative turf race, will undergo a quarantine period before participating in a trial at Randwick Racecourse on October 6th.
Details of Ka Ying Rising's Everest Campaign
On a serene Friday morning, under the watchful gaze of trainer David Hayes, the world-class racehorse Ka Ying Rising engaged in a pre-dawn gallop on the turf course at Sha Tin, marking its final significant workout before embarking on its journey to Australia. This rigorous session covered approximately six furlongs, with Ka Ying Rising clocking an impressive 1 minute and 21.07 seconds. The final 400 meters were completed in a swift 22.6 seconds, showcasing the horse's exceptional speed and stamina. This exercise was a crucial part of its preparation for the Group 1, US$14.2 million The Everest, a prestigious turf sprint contested over six furlongs at Randwick Racecourse, scheduled for October 17th.
Ka Ying Rising, a true racing phenomenon, has maintained an unbroken winning streak of 21 consecutive starts. Its recent triumph in the Chief Executive's Cup Handicap (G3) on September 6th saw it establish a new track record at Sha Tin, completing the race in an astonishing 1 minute and 6.11 seconds. Trainer David Hayes expressed immense satisfaction with the horse's condition, noting, "He galloped and he ran on well down the straight and he did it nicely, he did it all well – and his recovery was very good." He further added, "He's eating the food. He's ready to go after his last piece of work," underscoring the horse's peak physical state.
The champion is slated to depart for Sydney on Sunday night. Upon arrival, Ka Ying Rising will observe a two-week quarantine period at Canterbury Racecourse. This will be followed by a trial at Randwick Racecourse on October 6th, providing a final tune-up before the main event. In a heartwarming gesture, Ka Ying Glory, a stablemate who has retired, will accompany Ka Ying Rising to Australia, providing companionship during the quarantine period. Hayes elaborated on this decision, stating, "He doesn't need another horse to work with in quarantine in Australia. Ka Ying Glory will go for company and they can eat together." This meticulous preparation mirrors last season's successful campaign, which culminated in Ka Ying Rising's historic victory as the only foreign-trained horse to clinch The Everest title. This year, it will once again compete under The Hong Kong Jockey Club's slot. Jockey Zac Purton will be in the saddle, hoping to replicate last year's triumph where Ka Ying Rising outpaced formidable competitors like Tempted and Jimmysstar.
The meticulous planning and dedication to Ka Ying Rising's campaign offer a compelling insight into the world of elite horse racing. It underscores the immense effort, strategic foresight, and unwavering commitment required to prepare a champion for such a high-stakes international competition. The presence of a companion horse during quarantine highlights the psychological well-being of these athletes, often overlooked yet crucial for peak performance. This narrative also serves as a testament to the enduring spirit of competition and the relentless pursuit of excellence in sports. The global stage of The Everest not only showcases equine prowess but also the intricate dance between trainer, jockey, and horse, all striving for a singular, glorious moment.