He arrived with the weight of expectation and left no doubt about his greatness. Ka Ying Rising, Hong Kong’s superstar sprinter and the world’s top-rated racehorse, lived up to the hype with a stunning victory in the $20 million The Everest at Randwick.
After a turbulent lead-up filled with chatter about injury setbacks and an underwhelming trial, trainer David Hayes and jockey Zac Purton silenced the doubters in emphatic fashion. The gelding travelled sweetly just off the pace before bursting clear in front of a crowd of more than 50,000 to claim his 14th straight win — and one of the most memorable Everests to date.
“It has been the biggest build-up to a race that I have ever been involved in,” Purton said. “He is a special horse. I wanted it for the horse’s legacy more than mine. I’ve got my career and these things help to that, but this is his moment and his time and I wanted him to be respected for the ability I know he’s got.”
Purton, Hong Kong’s most decorated jockey with eight premierships, described the triumph as one of the crowning moments of his glittering career. “It is probably the pinnacle of my career to a certain degree, especially the stage that I’m at and on this type of horse. I appreciate the moment,” he said.
Hayes, who trained Better Loosen Up to win the Japan Cup in 1990, said the pressure leading into The Everest had been enormous. “I would have been shattered if he lost today,” he admitted. “But he was calm before the race — no sweat, no nerves — and that made me confident. There’s more to come with this horse. It’s the biggest thrill of my life.”
Ka Ying Rising ($2) defeated Tempted ($16) by 1¼ lengths, with Jimmysstar ($13) another length behind in third. Despite pre-race concerns, Hayes said he never doubted the gelding’s readiness. “Every time I went to Canterbury, I knew the horse was right,” he said. “No matter what was said — ‘bodgy’ trial or injury rumours — I knew he was ready. He’s a genuine superstar and we’ll be back next year if invited.”
For full results, betting updates, and exclusive replays of The Everest, visit Australia’s top betting sites for the latest odds and offers.
