The Everest is a FIFO Mission for Ka Ying Rising

Ka Ying Rising might be heading to Australia for the world’s richest sprint, but scmp.com has revealed his long-term focus remains firmly at home. Despite securing a spot in the $20 million The Everest (1200m) at Randwick in October, the world’s highest-rated sprinter will return immediately to Hong Kong, with connections resisting the lure of further Australian riches to prioritise the horse’s Hong Kong Sprint campaign. The David Hayes-trained star is undefeated in his last 12 starts, including four Group 1 victories, and rocketed from a rating of 111 to 132 last season. The son of Shamexpress swept the Hong Kong Speed Series, producing faultless wins in the Gr1 Centenary Sprint Cup (1200m) and Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup (1400m), before capping off his campaign with a dominant display in the Gr1 Chairman’s Sprint Prize (1200m). That victory was given international weight when Satono Reve, runner-up in that race, finished second again in the Gr1 Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes (1200m) at Royal Ascot. While Hayes had weighed up a post-Everest run in either the Gr1 Champions Sprint at Flemington or the Russell Balding Stakes at Rosehill – the latter offering a $1 million bonus to any Everest winner who backs – the stable ultimately opted for a conservative plan. “It’s been decided that we’ll give Ka Ying Rising one run in The Everest, and then the owner is keen to concentrate on Hong Kong,” Hayes said. “He’s [the owner] avoiding the temptation of the big money in Australia. He’s decided win, lose or draw, to come back after the race.” Hayes said the clarity of the decision would allow the team to plan effectively, while reinforcing the owner’s loyalty to Hong Kong. “The owners [are] really committed to Hong Kong racing and the Hong Kong Jockey Club have been so helpful with the slot that he wants to do the right thing by the club.” Ka Ying Rising launched his stellar 2023-24 season with a powerhouse performance under 61kg in the Class One Chief Executive’s Cup (1200m), going on to sweep seven Group races. That same first-up target has again been pencilled in by Hayes, provided the gelding trials well in the lead-up. “I’m pretty confident he’ll be running on opening day – if he trials well the week before, he’ll run in the Chief Executive’s Cup,” Hayes confirmed. From there, all eyes will be on The Everest, and then a swift return to Hong Kong.

Ka Ying Rising will go home to Hong Kong after The Everest (pic: hkjc.com)