By Scott Bailey
Last season, Ka Ying Rising established himself as Hong Kong’s brightest star, sweeping the Horse of the Year title on the back of a campaign that blended consistency, brilliance, and raw speed. His emergence not only lit up Sha Tin but stamped him as a flagbearer for Hong Kong racing heading into the new season.
Now, with the off-season behind him, the rising sprint sensation is preparing for his most ambitious assignment yet — a tilt at The Everest in Sydney. With $20 Million dollars in prizemoney, it was an appeal too great to knock back and when you have the worlds best sprinter how could you not. With the Hong Kong Jockey Club securing a slot it was only a matter of time that his name would be filled for that opening.
Champion jockey Zac Purton, who has been aboard for much of the gelding’s career, spoke exclusively to iRACE about Ka Ying Rising’s progression and the challenge that lies ahead.
“He’s come back bigger which we’d hoped he would with the break during the off season, and so far, a more relaxed horse,” Purton said. “He might buzz up on race day when he knows it’s time to get to business but so far he’s handling himself very well.”
The son of Shamexpress has already shown signs that his development is trending in the right direction, with his trial performances giving connections every reason to be bullish.
“His trials have both been really pleasing, he’s showing us everything we want to see at this stage of his prep with some natural improvement to come as he gets race fit,” Purton explained.
But while Hong Kong has seen his devastating turn of foot, the journey to Randwick will present a new test altogether. Travelling, adapting to a different environment, and taking on some of the world’s best sprinters is a task that has undone many before him.
“The Everest is a challenge, we know that. It’s never easy to travel and enter a new environment, and face new opposition but we’re hoping he can get down there in good order, settle in, and turn up race day as good as we can have him,” Purton said.
The talented gelding will head into the mandatory two-week quarantine straight after his run this Sunday win lose or draw.
But for now, Ka Ying Rising carries the hopes of Hong Kong fans into a new season where the spotlight will only burn brighter. Already crowned Horse of the Year, he now looks to prove he belongs on the world stage and will look to put his flag on the summit of Everest.
