Ka Ying Rising had an effortless performance this morning (Oct. 6) at Royal Randwick in Sydney, Australia, smoothly completing a 1000m barrier trial as part of preparations for the G1 The Everest (1200m) — the world’s richest turf race. Scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 17, and boasting a prize of AU$20 million (about HK$108.9 million), The Everest was claimed last year by Ka Ying Rising, guided by Hall of Fame jockey Zac Purton and trainer David Hayes during an impressive 21-race unbeaten streak.
The nine-time G1 winner, who currently tops the LONGINES World’s Best Racehorse Rankings with 135 points, took the lead early and stayed in front entering the home turn. Although held back, Ka Ying Rising matched stride-for-stride with Ninja until the latter narrowly won in a time of 59.46 seconds, finishing just a neck ahead under jockey Tommy Berry. The final 600m was clocked at 34.28 seconds.
Calm and composed under overcast skies, Ka Ying Rising made several parade laps in front of fans with his work rider and groom before heading onto a rain-affected ‘Soft 7’ turf. The six-year-old gelding showed some sweat near his girth before entering the gates. Trainer David Hayes, a two-time Hong Kong Champion Trainer, commented that while the trial was better than the previous year, the soft ground and longer grass didn’t favor the horse’s best efforts. He noted Ka Ying Rising didn’t change legs during the run, a sign the horse was going easy, but expects more intensity in the actual race.
Hayes explained this trial was more relaxed compared to race pace, which he said is usually about four seconds faster. He also mentioned that the horse has grown about 30 pounds since last year, which he believes is a positive development. Reflecting on last year’s preparations, Ka Ying Rising placed third in the corresponding trial on a ‘Good 4’ track before his eventual win.
Other notable runners in today’s trial included Apocalyptic, third under jockey Zac Lloyd, and Joliestar with James McDonald finishing fourth. The seven-horse lineup was completed by Headwall, Angel Capital, and Amazing Journey.
Jockey Zac Purton remarked that Ka Ying Rising needed the trial to shake off some rust, especially given the softer ground and time since his last start. Purton prefers firmer, faster tracks for the champion, noting past trials and races showed he tends to struggle a bit on soft ground. He anticipates a competitive race, emphasizing The Everest’s reputation as the strongest sprint event on the calendar, despite some downplaying the field.
If Ka Ying Rising wins again, the AU$7 million (about HK$38.36 million) first prize would bring his total career earnings close to HK$200 million—just behind Romantic Warrior, who holds HK$288.74 million. Ka Ying Rising holds six track records at Sha Tin, including five over 1200m, notably breaking Sacred Kingdom’s 17-year record in 2025.
First run in 2017 and won by Redzel, who repeated victory in 2018 as the only two-time winner, The Everest features 12 slots that owners negotiate for entries. Ka Ying Rising races in the Hong Kong Jockey Club’s slot, competing for the Ka Ying Syndicate and owner Leung Shek Kong. He remains the only overseas winner in the event’s history.
Sydney’s forecast predicts possible rain on race day, Oct. 17, but Ka Ying Rising has previously triumphed on a good-to-yielding track when carrying 135lb in the 2024 Class 1 HKSAR Chief Executive’s Cup Handicap (1200m), two years before it was upgraded to a G3 race.
This report was initially published by Paulick Report on Oct. 6, 2026.
Fan Take: This update on Ka Ying Rising is thrilling for horse racing enthusiasts as it signals the horse’s readiness to defend his title in the world’s richest turf sprint, highlighting the growing global appeal of The Everest. Success here not only boosts the sport’s international prestige but also raises the bar for sprint racing standards worldwide.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
