Purton craves Everest glory aboard Ka Ying Rising

By Leo Schlink in Sydney

17/10/2025

Zac Purton has ridden 47 Group 1 wins around the world.

Already one of the most decorated jockeys on the international stage, Zac Purton says success aboard Ka Ying Rising in the AU$20 million (approx. HK$101 million) G1 The Everest (1200m) on Saturday (18 October) at Royal Randwick in Sydney, Australia would represent a career pinnacle.

With a record 1,897 Hong Kong wins and 47 Group 1 victories around the world, Purton said victory in The Everest “would sit right up there”.

“The rate that it (The Everest) has grown in Australia has been quite phenomenal. The field they get every year, the interest the race creates and the money that it’s worth, it’s up there with the elite races in the world now,” the eight-time Hong Kong champion jockey said.

“My phone doesn’t normally ring as much as it has been in the past week. I’ve done a lot of interviews – radio, video, journalists calling – and then I’ve just been watching a lot of it on social media myself.

“It’s great to see how much attention it’s created in the mainstream media in Australia. They’ve really grabbed hold of him (Ka Ying Rising) and grabbed hold of the race. It’s putting a lot of extra eyeballs on our sport, which is a good thing.

“I can’t remember a race and especially a horse going into a race with as much attention as what he’s been able to create. It’s been good but obviously we have a job to do and that’s what I’m more concerned about.”

Ka Ying Rising is chasing a 14th consecutive win.

Purton is happy with Ka Ying Rising’s barrier draw of seven as the gelding bids to become the first international to land the world’s richest turf race.

“I think the barrier is pretty good. I would have preferred to have drawn inside Lady Shenandoah (gate six) and Joliestar (five) but I still think it’s OK,” he said.

“Mazu (gate two) inside will show a bit of speed and Overpass (nine) outside will be looking to go forward, so I’ll just let him (Ka Ying Rising) show whatever speed he wants to show and just ride him how the race is unfolding and how he feels like he wants to be ridden.”

Purton is cautiously optimistic Ka Ying Rising has improved physically under trainer David Hayes’ guidance since his third in a 1000m barrier trial at Royal Randwick last week.

“I haven’t been on him so it’s hard for me to get a proper understanding of how much he’s tightened up and how he feels, but David is happy with him and his weight seems to be in a better place,” Purton said. “He’s had the extra piece of work … so hopefully that’s enough.

“I just hope for the horse’s sake that the real Ka Ying Rising turns up on the weekend because I think he deserves it. I’ve ridden a lot of good horses in my life, and I know how good I think he is.

“I just hope that version of Ka Ying Rising is the version that turns up on the weekend. He doesn’t need to destroy them – he just needs to get the job done. He’s got the weight of expectation from the market as well, so we’re not the only ones that hope the real one turns up.”

After supervising Ka Ying Rising’s final pre-race fast work at Canterbury Racecourse on Thursday (16 October), Hayes said: “He was terrific today. He just did his final piece of striding work, really having a good roll and feeling good after it, so we’re pretty confident that he’s right up with his best.”

The Everest is carded as S1-2 and will be run at 1.15pm (Hong Kong time).

Important Notice:
Information is provided by the third-party provider and it is intended to be used for reference only. The content and information have not been verified or confirmed by The Hong Kong Jockey Club and/or its affiliates (together, the “HKJC”), and will not be used for dividend payout purposes. HKJC also do not make any representation or warranty about the timeliness, reliability or accuracy of any such information. The data, articles and other information on these pages are provided on an “as is” basis for information purposes only. None of The Hong Kong Jockey Club, its affiliates or any other person involved in or related to the compilation of such information guarantees its accuracy or reliability and accepts no liability (whether in tort or contract or otherwise) for any loss or damage arising from any inaccuracies or omissions.

James McDonald labels Ka Ying Rising an absolute superstar, but sounds Everest warning

By Leo Schlink in Sydney

16/10/2025

James McDonald has the utmost respect for Ka Ying Rising.

James McDonald, the only jockey so far to inflict defeat on Ka Ying Rising, has declared the world’s top-rated sprinter “an absolute superstar” but warns the Hong Kong champion will need to be at his best to win the AU$20 million (approx. HK$101 million) G1 The Everest (1200m) on Saturday (18 October) at Royal Randwick in Sydney, Australia.

McDonald, who twice toppled Ka Ying Rising on Wunderbar at Sha Tin in January, 2024, will ride Chris Waller’s Joliestar this weekend and believes The Everest’s unrelenting pressure will present a formidable challenge to Ka Ying Rising.

“He’s a superstar, he’s an absolute superstar. If he brings his Sha Tin form, he’s almost sometimes impossible to beat the way his figures read. I’ve ridden some good horses against him and he’s made them look pretty second rate, to be fair,” McDonald said.

“But this is a different kettle of fish. This is probably the toughest test to date for him and he’s going to know he’s in a horse race, especially with the likes of Jimmysstar, Briasa, Joliestar and Lady Shenandoah coming at him. He’s going to have to be at the top of his game.”

McDonald is chasing his second victory in The Everest after triumphing on Waller’s Nature Strip in 2021.

Ka Ying Rising is attempting to become the first international horse to win The Everest.

Waller has three runners in Saturday’s feature – Joliestar, Lady Shenandoah and Angel Capital – and welcomes the presence of Ka Ying Rising.

“The best thing about Ka Ying Rising being in the race is that it brings an international flavour to this year’s event and that’s what we want to see here in Australia – we’ve got the best sprinters in the world and we take them overseas and normally get it right,” he said.

“So, to see the horse coming here with the world’s highest rating, Australia has got something to prove.

“There’s so much international flavour but having that gives more credit to the race, it’s taking the world by imagination and everybody will be watching The Everest on Saturday afternoon and let’s hope that Australia – our horses – can beat Ka Ying Rising because he’s a superstar.”

Chris Waller has three runners in The Everest.

Waller compared The Everest to an Olympic Games 100m track final.

“All three of ours are, in my eyes, good enough to win the race and every horse will have to be at their best to win the race. It’s just a great contest. It’s not different to an Olympic sprint final – everyone has to be at on their game, get a good clean start and have everything go their way and you need to be strong over the last metres of the race,” he said.

“There’s only going to be two or three metres from first to sixth placing. It’s the best of the best coming together on Saturday at Randwick. It’s an exciting race, the build-up has been huge, it’s a sell-out crowd. They’re all eager to find out the result.

“All I can say is Joliestar, she’s a mature mare now, she’s in the zone now, great first-up win. Lady Shenandoah is coming off that defeat, but there were legitimate reasons for it and we think she’s a rising star and will be there next year in The Everest as well.

“And Angel Capital is the unknown. He’s a rising star, like Lady Shenandoah, he hasn’t won at the elite level yet but the things we see at home on the training track are quite phenomenal and if he brings that to the races from his good draw (three), he could beat them all.”

Ka Ying Rising will start from barrier seven under Zac Purton on Saturday (18 October).

Important Notice:
Information is provided by the third-party provider and it is intended to be used for reference only. The content and information have not been verified or confirmed by The Hong Kong Jockey Club and/or its affiliates (together, the “HKJC”), and will not be used for dividend payout purposes. HKJC also do not make any representation or warranty about the timeliness, reliability or accuracy of any such information. The data, articles and other information on these pages are provided on an “as is” basis for information purposes only. None of The Hong Kong Jockey Club, its affiliates or any other person involved in or related to the compilation of such information guarantees its accuracy or reliability and accepts no liability (whether in tort or contract or otherwise) for any loss or damage arising from any inaccuracies or omissions.

Australian trainer warns The Everest is not “one-horse race”

By Leo Schlink in Sydney

15/10/2025

Ka Ying Rising exercises at Canterbury Racecourse, Sydney.

Michael Hawkes, co-trainer of leading Australian sprinter Briasa, welcomes Ka Ying Rising’s presence in the AU$20 million (approx. HK$101 million) G1 The Everest on Saturday (18 October) at Royal Randwick in Sydney, Australia, but warned the world’s richest turf race is not a “one-horse race.”

Bidding to provide businessman and passionate racehorse owner Mr Leung Shek Kong of the Ka Ying Syndicate with defining international success this weekend, Ka Ying Rising has dominated pre-race discussions after compiling a 13-race winning streak in Hong Kong, crowned by record-breaking performances over 1200m at Sha Tin.

But Hawkes, who trains in partnership with his father John and brother Wayne, believes Briasa could foil the ambitions of Mr Leung, David Hayes and Zac Purton of Ka Ying Rising becoming Hong Kong, China’s first winner of The Everest.

“It’s never been a one-horse race in our opinion and we’ve just got him peaking right on the day,” Hawkes said of Briasa, spectacular last-start winner of the G2 Premiere Stakes (1200m) at Royal Randwick – the gelding’s second course and distance win.

“We believe that we’ve always had the right horse for the race, we’ve believed in this horse since day one. He’s going to be peaking, he worked amazing on Tuesday morning (14 October) and he just seems to be getting better and better and I don’t really know where he’s at, to be honest.

“Ka Ying Rising is a superstar in Hong Kong. It’s great for racing that he’s here but we’ve got a job to do.

“(In the) Premiere Stakes, everyone saw how well he performed. Tyler (Schiller) rode him brilliantly, the speed was hot and he just come up that rise with a lapful of horse. He’s taken great benefit from that and third-up was always going to be when he was going to peak – and we’ve always primed him for that.”

Zac Purton is seeking a first win in The Everest.

While Ka Ying Rising will start in gate seven – a draw which delighted Hayes – Briasa will jump from barrier 10.

“It’s not ideal. Everyone wants to draw that inside gate – three, four, five – but there’s a lot of speed inside and this race is different. There are no rules,” Hawkes said.

“You can have the best horse in the race but you don’t always win. He (Briasa) is the right horse, we believe in him. So, it will come down to how it’s run, the tempo, jockeys jostling for positions. I know Tyler’s in the zone, we’re in the zone, our horse is in the zone. You’ve just got to keep a straight mind and say ‘Hey, this is what we need to do’ and get the job done.”

Briasa’s two 1200m wins at Royal Randwick have come from barriers two and three, respectively.

Bjorn Baker’s Overpass will make his third appearance in The Everest after finishing sixth in 2022 and 10th in 2023.

The seven-year-old, who finished second ahead of third-placed Ka Ying Rising in a 1000m barrier trial at Royal Randwick last week, is expected to set the pace in The Everest with Mazu after drawing barrier nine.

“He’s a fast horse, we’ll look to use that speed and I think he’s set up to run well. He’s set up to be very quick out of the gates and we’ll use that natural speed on Saturday,” Baker said. “He’s definitely a lot better fresher and we’ve learnt that over time, he’s best when he’s fresh and if he produces his absolute best, he’s not out of it.”

Mr & Mrs Leung Shek Kong at the Everest barrier draw.

Speaking in Sydney, Mr Leung said: “I appreciate the TAB and the ATC (Australian Turf Club) for helping us to join The Everest. I’m very excited for the race on Saturday, but I’m not too worried about the result, whether we win, run second or worse, it’s just a very big honour to be a part of the race on Saturday.

“I just want to enjoy everything and I hope the horse enjoys the race as well. I’m loving Sydney, the weather is good and not too humid.”

Important Notice:
Information is provided by the third-party provider and it is intended to be used for reference only. The content and information have not been verified or confirmed by The Hong Kong Jockey Club and/or its affiliates (together, the “HKJC”), and will not be used for dividend payout purposes. HKJC also do not make any representation or warranty about the timeliness, reliability or accuracy of any such information. The data, articles and other information on these pages are provided on an “as is” basis for information purposes only. None of The Hong Kong Jockey Club, its affiliates or any other person involved in or related to the compilation of such information guarantees its accuracy or reliability and accepts no liability (whether in tort or contract or otherwise) for any loss or damage arising from any inaccuracies or omissions.

Ka Ying Rising draws barrier seven for G1 The Everest

By Leo Schlink in Sydney

14/10/2025

David Hayes is delighted with Ka Ying Rising’s barrier draw.

David Hayes has labelled Ka Ying Rising’s barrier draw of gate seven “perfect” as the world’s top-rated sprinter attempts to win the AU$20 million (approx. HK$101 million) G1 The Everest (1200m) at Royal Randwick in Sydney, Australia, on Saturday (18 October).

In a spectacular drone show on Sydney Harbour, Ka Ying Rising was the first horse to have its barrier revealed, prompting a positive and unequivocal reaction from Hayes, who said jockey Zac Purton will have options from the gate.

“Perfect. Anywhere from (barrier) four to eight, I was going to be happy with and we got there,” Hayes said. “(He can) jump fast and get a good position – that’s a good barrier.

“I think Zac can choose whether he goes right forward or follows what could be the frantic pace.

“Zac will jump fast, for sure, and if the pace is hectic, he’ll back out of it. Some of his most impressive wins have been sitting off the pace. But if they miss the start and don’t go fast, he’ll lead – he’s that sort of horse and Zac’s that sort of jockey.”

Chasing the winner’s purse of AU$7 million (approx. HK$35.5 million), Ka Ying Rising will attempt to become the first horse to win the world’s richest turf race from gate seven.

In the eight runnings of The Everest so far, barrier five has been the most successful with two victories, while gates one, four, six, nine, 10 and 12 have provided one winner each.

Hayes is confident Ka Ying Rising is continuing to improve since his third behind Overpass in last week’s 1000m barrier trial and was delighted by the five-year-old’s fast work on Monday (13 October) as he bids to become Hong Kong, China’s first winner of The Everest.

“He’s in really good form, I’m very happy with him,” Hayes said.

Ka Ying Rising’s main rivals in The Everest enjoyed contrasting fates, with Joliestar drawing gate five alongside Lady Shenandoah (six), but Briasa (gate 10) and Jimmysstar (barrier 11) drew wider than preferred.

The other allocated gates for the remainder of The Everest are: Tempted (barrier one), Mazu (two), Angel Capital (three), War Machine (four), Jedibeel (eight), Overpass (nine) and Magic Time (12).

Hayes said Ka Ying Rising would follow a familiar low-intensity preparation pattern for the rest of the week as his five-year-old star bids for a 14th successive win and fifth Group 1 victory.

Important Notice:
Information is provided by the third-party provider and it is intended to be used for reference only. The content and information have not been verified or confirmed by The Hong Kong Jockey Club and/or its affiliates (together, the “HKJC”), and will not be used for dividend payout purposes. HKJC also do not make any representation or warranty about the timeliness, reliability or accuracy of any such information. The data, articles and other information on these pages are provided on an “as is” basis for information purposes only. None of The Hong Kong Jockey Club, its affiliates or any other person involved in or related to the compilation of such information guarantees its accuracy or reliability and accepts no liability (whether in tort or contract or otherwise) for any loss or damage arising from any inaccuracies or omissions.

David Hayes declares Ka Ying Rising ready to rumble after final gallop before The Everest

By Leo Schlink in Sydney

13/10/2025

Ka Ying Rising exercises in Sydney.

David Hayes is “very confident” Ka Ying Rising is ready to fire in the G1 The Everest (1200m) at Royal Randwick in Sydney, Australia on Saturday (18 October) after the champion sprinter breezed through fast work this morning (Monday, 13 October).

Dismissing rumours Hong Kong’s reigning Horse of the Year was in doubt for the AU$20 million (approx. HK$101 million) feature, Hayes was delighted with Ka Ying Rising’s gallop at Canterbury Racecourse.

“We’re really happy with him. He just went out on the beautiful Canterbury track this morning and ran home (his last 600m) in 38 (seconds) under a nice hold. His recovery was excellent,” Hayes said, pointing to the gelding’s improvement since last week’s third placing in a 1000m barrier trial at Randwick.

“I think he’s really improved from that trial. The idea of the trial was to bring him on and I think it has.

“I think he’s ready to rumble.  I know there was some criticism about Ka Ying's trial and in simple terms I would have given his trial a seven out of 10 rating, but it was more an orientation for him. He has come on a lot since the trial and his weight has come back to his last-start winning weight.

“It (barrier trial) was his first competitive work with other horses for a month and that is why I knew he would come on so much from the trial. If he was trialling today, he would get a 10 out of 10. I'm very confident we have him at his best and it will take a good horse to beat him on Saturday.”

Hayes was perturbed at the weekend at reports the world’s highest-rated sprinter had fitness and eating issues and was in doubt for The Everest.

Hayes said a media commentator’s X account “had been hacked and sent out some false information, which basically had him scratched – lame behind and not eating.”

“That’s not the horse I’ve been training, anyway,” Hayes said. “The phone went into meltdown for probably six hours. It was fake news.

“He’s (Ka Ying Rising) made the progression we thought he would and we’re really expecting a bold showing. We’re really happy and I love the (dry) weather pattern as well. A nice, firm track will only help.

“The Canterbury facilities are first-class. He normally works with 100 horses on the track at any time, so he’s incredibly chilled out and relaxed here. His feed intake is great and his weight is right in check, so I think it’s all ready to go.”

David Hayes is hoping for an inside barrier draw.

Hayes hopes Ka Ying Rising draws near to the inside for the world’s richest turf race, which carries a winner’s purse of AU$7 million (approx. HK$35.5 million).

“I think as close to the rail as possible. That would be best,” Hayes said.

“In Hong Kong, they jump and really go hard because they’ve only got 200 metres to the turn, in Sydney they’ve got a nice 600-700 metre run. The tempo is not quite as hectic, so the barrier is not so important for him. He’s got incredible gate speed and he’s got the ability to take a sit, so he’s pretty foolproof.

“If the pace is fast, Zac (Purton) will sit third, if the pace is slow, he will lead.”

Important Notice:
Information is provided by the third-party provider and it is intended to be used for reference only. The content and information have not been verified or confirmed by The Hong Kong Jockey Club and/or its affiliates (together, the “HKJC”), and will not be used for dividend payout purposes. HKJC also do not make any representation or warranty about the timeliness, reliability or accuracy of any such information. The data, articles and other information on these pages are provided on an “as is” basis for information purposes only. None of The Hong Kong Jockey Club, its affiliates or any other person involved in or related to the compilation of such information guarantees its accuracy or reliability and accepts no liability (whether in tort or contract or otherwise) for any loss or damage arising from any inaccuracies or omissions.

Sydney shows up for practice as Ka Ying Rising readies for The Everest

Source: The Standard

10/10/2025

David Hayes is confident Ka Ying Rising is on track for The Everest after Randwick trial.

In a city like Sydney, it takes a real event to get a crowd.

If it’s not the suffocating traffic, then it’s the beer and food prices. It could be the fickle weather, the overbearing crowds, maybe just the accessibility of sitting on the lounge and getting a better picture of things on the television.

Melbourne’s different. Melbourne people go to everything. The running joke is that their residents are so desperate to go to any event, to be seen, they’ll go to the opening of an envelope. It’s not the self-titled sporting capital of the world for no reason.

On Tuesday, something strange happened. Sydney people turned up to something they wouldn’t ordinarily care about: a barrier trial. More than 1000 of them, lured by arguably the world’s best horse and a side of free bacon and egg rolls on the barbecue, and long blacks.

“They wouldn’t get anywhere near this many people for a midweek meeting,” one wag joked.

They’re right, but then again Ka Ying Rising doesn’t contest run-of-the-mill Wednesday races at Canterbury or Warwick Farm.

So, they filed through the gates, lined the tiered steps in Royal Randwick’s Theatre of the Horse to see him parade solo, then hung over the fence to watch him have his first – and only – peek at the track where he will contest the A$20 million The Everest on October 18.

It wasn’t just the crowd that was unusual about the morning. The Hong Kong superstar waltzed solo around the paddock as quarantine restrictions are slowly lifted, his other rivals in the trial – including Everest combatants Joliestar, Overpass and Angel Capital – sticking to standard procedure in being kept in tie-up stalls on the other side of the track before meeting Ka Ying Rising behind the barriers.

It’s almost inconsequential how Ka Ying Rising fared in the actual trial, and more about the education of seeing a foreign track in a foreign land for the first time. It was also good for his handlers, too.

On the parade? He might have been better. Under overcast skies, Ka Ying Rising noticeably sweated between his hind legs, not unfamiliar for a horse which can be buzzy in his parade. But how will he handle it when there’s 50,000 people crammed into a hot, sweaty mess which will be Royal Randwick for the big race?

He was swiftly away from the outside gate, jockey Zac Purton allowing him to coast wide on the track, and finding the line under little pressure in third behind Linebacker and Overpass, the latter under far more pressure than The Everest favorite. The margins were a half-head by a head.

Did it really matter? Maybe what mattered was what was said afterwards.

Ka Ying Rising’s trainer David Hayes seemingly has a perpetual smile on his face, Purton is more liable to straight shooting. He will tell you what he thinks, not what you want to hear.

As Purton marked Ka Ying Rising’s trial as “OK, a pass mark,” Hayes couldn’t help himself.

“It must be noted, Zac is often pessimistic,” Hayes interjected.

“I’m standing next to the eternal optimist,” Purton fired back.

So, what’s the real story? Ka Ying Rising is 20 pounds above his usual race weight, and that’s not a bad thing given the quarantine restrictions and traveling imposed on him. Both trainer and jockey want him to tighten up before raceday, because taking on Australia’s best sprinters in their own backyard is no easy task, no matter how good you might be.

But the real concern has to be with Sydney’s softer ground compared to Ka Ying Rising’s Sha Tin sanctuary. On Monday, Hayes was telling anyone who would listen he planned to give Ka Ying Rising a serious gallop in the trial. Rather, Purton kept him under wraps.

“We’ve had to travel down here to take them on, on a track that’s probably not really to our preference,” a candid Purton said. “At Sha Tin, the track is a lot firmer and a lot faster. Today, it’s softer than what he’s used to. But that’s the challenge we want to take and we look forward to it.”

The good news for Ka Ying Rising is Sydney’s weather forecast for the next 11 days is sun, sun and more sun. He will likely get a track he wants, which makes for a departure from a number of close shaves already.

His only lead-up run at Hong Kong’s season opener was able to be squeezed in before an approaching typhoon, and it has largely escaped the racing public in Australia, but an indiscriminate shooting from a man at cars and passers by in Sydney’s inner west on Sunday night happened not far from Canterbury Park, where Ka Ying Rising is staying. Police estimate up to 50 bullets were sprayed from an apartment above a small business to the road below. It was a miracle no one was killed.

It happened about 2km from the quarantine center, and when Hayes checked on his horse first thing Monday morning, he was as bright as ever. Officials took Ka Ying Rising to the Royal Randwick raceday stalls where he’ll be stationed on The Everest day, but unlike on the big occasion, there were no spectators allowed to get up close and personal before the trial.

“It’s six weeks between drinks for him so he really needed a dress rehearsal,” Hayes said. “At Sha Tin he gets very edgy going through the tunnels with all the other horses and when Zac, or whoever is riding him, drops over his neck he relaxes straight away. I think that was typical of Ka Ying today.

“He’ll be better on raceday, but he’ll have to be because there will be 50,000 people here. (Today) was very important for the horse, but even more important for his Chinese handlers. They know Sha Tin very well and they’re very professional, but to be here with him, it’s totally different pre race.”

The Australian Turf Club sold its last general admission tickets for The Everest on Monday night, no doubt fueled by the Ka Ying Rising phenomenon.

“That’s two weeks in advance, which is quicker than ever before,” ATC interim chief executive Steve McMahon said. “You can see the energy just for a barrier trial.”

Ka Ying Rising remains a $1.50 favorite for The Everest, a price unlikely to budge before what will be the most anticipated Sydney race since Winx’s farewell in 2019.

Not even the great mare could pull a crowd for a barrier trial like Ka Ying Rising, which says a lot about a city as distracted as Sydney. This is a real horse getting ready for a real race, and they were happy to watch him go around for practice.

Important Notice:
Information is provided by the third-party provider and it is intended to be used for reference only. The content and information have not been verified or confirmed by The Hong Kong Jockey Club and/or its affiliates (together, the “HKJC”), and will not be used for dividend payout purposes. HKJC also do not make any representation or warranty about the timeliness, reliability or accuracy of any such information. The data, articles and other information on these pages are provided on an “as is” basis for information purposes only. None of The Hong Kong Jockey Club, its affiliates or any other person involved in or related to the compilation of such information guarantees its accuracy or reliability and accepts no liability (whether in tort or contract or otherwise) for any loss or damage arising from any inaccuracies or omissions.

Ka Ying’s fitness levels Rising

Information provided by Racing & Sports

08/10/2025

David Hayes is confident Ka Ying Rising is on track for The Everest after Randwick trial.

Opinions were divided on Ka Ying Rising's first and only official trial in Australia less than two weeks out from The Everest, but trainer David Hayes is confident his sprinting star will be ready.

In a star-studded heat at Randwick on Tuesday morning, Ka Ying Rising finished third under Zac Purton who flew in from Hong Kong, beaten a head by Linebacker with Overpass splitting the pair.

Ka Ying Rising wasn't asked for a serious effort by Purton in a time of 58.39 over 1000m with that trio putting a gap on fellow Everest contenders Joliestar and Angel Capital, along with star milers Mr Brightside and Fangirl.

Hayes said Ka Ying Rising needed the work having not raced for a month, confident the four-time Group One winner would tighten up greatly for the work.

"It was a good, solid trial but he did need it," Hayes said.

"He had a really good, hard hit out, he probably went a bit easier than the ones behind him.

"I promise he'll be twenty pounds lighter next week.”

"He blew a few cobwebs out and he'll really come on a lot for that and he'll have a nice gallop on Monday (October 13th) and he'll be right for the big one."

Zac Purton echoed the sentiment, saying the trial was a "pass mark" with improvement to come.

"He was certainly feeling the moment a little bit and then carrying the extra condition, compared to his racing weight, on the softer ground he felt obviously it a little bit,'' Purton said.

"The ground was a bit softer than what he's used to. I thought he got through it okay, it's a pass mark but I think he needs to be better on race day.

"That's the challenge we wanted to take and we look forward to it."

Important Notice:
Information is provided by the third-party provider and it is intended to be used for reference only. The content and information have not been verified or confirmed by The Hong Kong Jockey Club and/or its affiliates (together, the “HKJC”), and will not be used for dividend payout purposes. HKJC also do not make any representation or warranty about the timeliness, reliability or accuracy of any such information. The data, articles and other information on these pages are provided on an “as is” basis for information purposes only. None of The Hong Kong Jockey Club, its affiliates or any other person involved in or related to the compilation of such information guarantees its accuracy or reliability and accepts no liability (whether in tort or contract or otherwise) for any loss or damage arising from any inaccuracies or omissions.

Tempted to run for Godolphin in Everest

Information provided by Racing & Sports

08/10/2025

Tempted has been chosen to represent Godolphin in The Everest.

Ciaron Maher and Craig Williams will team again in a bid to claim back-to-back wins in The Everest after Godolphin named Tempted would run in its slot. 

Bella Nipotina provided Maher and Williams with victory in the Group 1 The Everest (1200m) at Randwick last year. 

This year's race will be staged on October 18 and there is now only one slot to be filled with Yulong Investments searching for a replacement after Private Harry was sent for a spell. 

As a two-year-old, Tempted was successful twice at Group 2 level before running a gallant third in the Group 1 Golden Slipper (1200m) at Rosehill. 

Returning as a three-year-old, Tempted won the Group 2 Run To The Rose before finishing third behind the Godolphin-owned colt Beiwacht in the Group 1 Golden Rose (1400m) at Rosehill on September 27. 

Godolphin Australia Managing Director Andy Makiv said Tempted represents everything Godolphin stands for in world racing. 

"Tempted is a top-class filly. She's in great form and three-year-olds have a strong record in a race like The Everest," Makiv said. 

"She represents everything we stand for at Godolphin. She's by one of our shuttle stallions, and was bred, raised, and developed across our farms. 

"To see her line up in The Everest is a proud moment for everyone involved." 

Important Notice:
Information is provided by the third-party provider and it is intended to be used for reference only. The content and information have not been verified or confirmed by The Hong Kong Jockey Club and/or its affiliates (together, the “HKJC”), and will not be used for dividend payout purposes. HKJC also do not make any representation or warranty about the timeliness, reliability or accuracy of any such information. The data, articles and other information on these pages are provided on an “as is” basis for information purposes only. None of The Hong Kong Jockey Club, its affiliates or any other person involved in or related to the compilation of such information guarantees its accuracy or reliability and accepts no liability (whether in tort or contract or otherwise) for any loss or damage arising from any inaccuracies or omissions.

Ka Ying Rising finishes third in Sydney trial ahead of The Everest

By Leo Schlink

07/10/2025

Ka Ying Rising, Hong Kong, China’s first runner in the G1 The Everest (1200m), finishes third in a 1000m barrier trial at Royal Randwick.

David Hayes expects Ka Ying Rising to improve significantly ahead of G1 The Everest (1200m) on 18 October after the world’s highest-rated sprinter finished third under Zac Purton in a 1000m barrier trial at Royal Randwick in Sydney this morning (7 October).

Pitted against potential The Everest rivals Overpass, Joliestar and Angel Capital as well as G1 King Charles III Stakes (1609m) contenders Fangirl and Mr Brightside and The Golden Eagle (1500m) entrant Linebacker, Ka Ying Rising was kept under restraint by Purton throughout as the pair coursed wide.

The four-time Group 1 winner jumped smartly from barrier seven and cruised up Randwick’s straight on the outside of Linebacker (Zac Lloyd), who beat Overpass (Josh Parr) by half a head with Ka Ying Rising third, a head further away, in 58.39s.

Mr Brightside was a distant fourth, almost five lengths from the winner.

Hayes believes Ka Ya Rising will benefit from the trial, which featured the winners collectively of 71 races in Australia, New Zealand and Hong Kong, including 24 at Group 1 level, and combined prizemoney haul of more than HK$300 million.

David Hayes was satisfied with Ka Ying Rising’s barrier trial.

“It was a good, solid trial but he did need it,” Hayes said. “He blew a few cobwebs out and he’ll really come on a lot for that and he’ll have a nice gallop on Monday (13 October) and he’ll be right the big one,” Hayes said.

“He’s about 20 pounds above his racing weight (about 1,150lb) and I’ll expect it (his weight) to come down a bit in the next week.”

Purton echoed Hayes’ thoughts: “Pass mark, needs to improve. He hasn’t had a run for about a month and he hasn’t done too much serious work in that amount of time, so it was the first time he’s done anything competitive in a while.

“The track was a little bit soft for him. He’s not totally at home on that ground. But I thought he trialled well enough. I think he’ll come on a bit from that. Obviously, it’s going to be a competitive race. The horses in Australia are peaking at the right time, so hopefully we can draw a good gate, get a dry track and I’m sure he’ll improve a bit off that.

“He had a big blow after the trial and he’ll have another 200 metres to run in The Everest, he’s got 10 days to do a bit more work and improve – hopefully he can.”

The winner of his past 13 starts, Ka Ying Rising has not started since triumphing in the Class 1 HKSAR Chief Executive’s Cup Handicap (1200m) at Sha Tin on 7 September.

Hayes arranged for Ka Ying Rising to have a “full dress rehearsal” at Royal Randwick with the five-year-old spending time in the raceday tie-up stalls and the Theatre of the Horse, where he completed several laps and appeared slightly agitated.

“Hopefully he’ll improve from the experience,” Hayes said of Hong Kong’s reigning Horse of the Year.

“He’s had a look at Randwick now. He hasn’t been away Sha Tin for a long time – that’s his only track – so to have a look around here was very, very good for him.”

The field for the Everest, which is the richest turf race in the world with a purse of approximately HK$103 million, will be confirmed on Monday, 13 October.

Important Notice:
Information is provided by the third-party provider and it is intended to be used for reference only. The content and information have not been verified or confirmed by The Hong Kong Jockey Club and/or its affiliates (together, the “HKJC”), and will not be used for dividend payout purposes. HKJC also do not make any representation or warranty about the timeliness, reliability or accuracy of any such information. The data, articles and other information on these pages are provided on an “as is” basis for information purposes only. None of The Hong Kong Jockey Club, its affiliates or any other person involved in or related to the compilation of such information guarantees its accuracy or reliability and accepts no liability (whether in tort or contract or otherwise) for any loss or damage arising from any inaccuracies or omissions.

Angel Capital enters Everest mix

Information provided by Racing & Sports

26/09/2025

Yulong’s Angel Capital will take his place in The Everest.

Chris Waller has a third horse in the $20 million The Everest with Angel Capital announced as the representative for the slot held by James Harron Bloodstock. The four-year-old was a Listed winner at Moonee Valley first-up then had little luck when flashing home for fourth to Sepals in the Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield on Saturday.

James Harron said he felt the Yulong-owned entire, who was a dual Group winner at three, had raised the bar again this spring and his backmarker style of racing would be suited to the conditions of an Everest (1200m).

"Angel Capital looks to have gone to another level this preparation," Harron said.

"We're honoured to partner with Yulong and this hugely exciting horse. He very much looks as though he will be ideally suited to what is shaping up to be a very high-pressure Everest this year."

Angel Capital joins stablemates Joliestar and Lady Shenandoah as confirmed Everest starters, while the Nathan Doyle-trained Private Harry has been selected for the slot held by Yulong.

Sam Fairgray, chief executive of Yulong, said they believed Angel Capital was still improving and revealed Waller had been enthusiastic about getting the horse into the October 18 feature.

"It's a hugely exciting opportunity for this colt and one Chris Waller has been very keen to pursue," Fairgray said.

"Angel Capital is a colt on an upward trajectory this season, Mr Zhang and the Yulong team are thrilled he has the chance to spread his wings in the world's richest turf race."

Along with Waller's trio and Private Harry, other horses confirmed for Everest slots so far are Ka Ying Rising, Jimmysstar, Briasa and Overpass.

Important Notice:
Information is provided by the third-party provider and it is intended to be used for reference only. The content and information have not been verified or confirmed by The Hong Kong Jockey Club and/or its affiliates (together, the “HKJC”), and will not be used for dividend payout purposes. HKJC also do not make any representation or warranty about the timeliness, reliability or accuracy of any such information. The data, articles and other information on these pages are provided on an “as is” basis for information purposes only. None of The Hong Kong Jockey Club, its affiliates or any other person involved in or related to the compilation of such information guarantees its accuracy or reliability and accepts no liability (whether in tort or contract or otherwise) for any loss or damage arising from any inaccuracies or omissions.

Hardy sprinter Overpass will get a third bite at The Everest cherry

Information provided by Racing & Sports

17/09/2025

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Overpass has become the seventh horse locked in for the $20 million The Everest with Newgate/GPI confirming the first-up specialist will represent its slot.

Managed by syndicators Darby Racing, the gelding has been a mainstay of the elite sprinting ranks for several seasons, contesting the showpiece race twice in 2022 and 2023.

While he was unplaced both times, Overpass has since proven to be near-unbeatable fresh, taking out the 2024 Winterbottom Stakes (1200m), The Quokka (1200m) and Sydney Stakes (1200m), while he was narrowly edged out by Briasa in the T J Smith Stakes (1200m) last autumn.

Trainer Bjorn Baker is thrilled his stable ‘warhorse’ has another opportunity to be part of an elite Everest field and says his inclusion has been well earned.

“Overpass has built a reputation as one of Australia’s most formidable sprinters,” Baker said in a social media statement.

“With career earnings surpassing $10 million he has consistently proven his grit, tenacity and class on the nation’s biggest stages.

“Bjorn Baker Racing, Darby Racing, Newgate Farm, and GPI Racing share in the excitement of this partnership, recognising Overpass not only for his exceptional record but also his relentless will to win.

“Overpass is the ultimate competitor – tough, consistent and always up for a fight. To see him earn his place in the 2025 Everest is a huge honour for our stable and his owners.”

Hong Kong champion Ka Ying Rising is an favourite for The Everest (1200m) and due to arrive in Sydney next week for the mandatory two-week quarantine period.

He is then scheduled to be given a public barrier trial on October 7 before attempting to become the first internationally trained horse to win the showpiece race, run at Randwick on October 18.

Jimmysstar, Lady Shenandoah, Briasa, Private Harry and Joliestar are the other confirmed runners.

The latter three are set for a mouthwatering Everest prelude at Randwick on Saturday when they clash in the Group 2 The Shorts (1100m).

Important Notice:
Information is provided by the third-party provider and it is intended to be used for reference only. The content and information have not been verified or confirmed by The Hong Kong Jockey Club and/or its affiliates (together, the “HKJC”), and will not be used for dividend payout purposes. HKJC also do not make any representation or warranty about the timeliness, reliability or accuracy of any such information. The data, articles and other information on these pages are provided on an “as is” basis for information purposes only. None of The Hong Kong Jockey Club, its affiliates or any other person involved in or related to the compilation of such information guarantees its accuracy or reliability and accepts no liability (whether in tort or contract or otherwise) for any loss or damage arising from any inaccuracies or omissions.

Private Harry gives Morgan his chance to shine

Information provided by Racing & Sports

19/09/2025

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His exploits aboard Private Harry have helped Ash Morgan carve a niche in the competitive Sydney jockey ranks.

The emergence of Private Harry as one of the country's most exciting sprinters has coincided with the rise of his jockey Ash Morgan as both horse and hoop make a fist of their opportunities.

The pair will be in the spotlight at Randwick on Saturday when Private Harry attempts to extend his unbeaten streak to six in the Group 2 The Shorts (1100m), on his way to the $20 million The Everest (1200m) in October.

It is a pressure position Morgan is becoming increasingly familiar with, although rewind 12 months and things were very different.

On the corresponding Saturday last year, Morgan rode at Newcastle where he booted home a winner for Private Harry's trainer Nathan Doyle.

The provincial circuit was the then-mainstay of his trade but thanks to his partnership with Private Harry, the Welsh-born rider is now a regular in the Sydney jockeys' room, having since combined with the horse to capture the Group 1 The Galaxy and the $3 million The Sunlight.

It has also helped open other doors with Morgan adding another five stakes wins to his resume in 2025, along with the Provincial-Midway Championships Final aboard Matcha Latte.

Not only has Morgan grasped the opportunity to showcase his capabilities and lean into the high-pressure environment, he has relished it.

"When I first started riding I wasn't accustomed to it but now I'm really getting used to it and I feel like I'm thriving off it so I'm hoping to do the same on Saturday," Morgan said.

"The first time I rode him in the Sunlight, it was actually the biggest race I'd ridden in prizemoney-wise and I won that and won The Galaxy.

"I've been able to do it on other horses as well so I think that got me used to the environment and it has really helped me to improve as a rider."

Private Harry will face a stern test in the Shorts when he clashes with fellow Everest contenders Briasa and Joliestar but Morgan says Private Harry has been well prepared and is as fit as he has ever been for a first-up run.

"He is probably more forward than we have ever had him going into a first-up race," he said.

"He was always a big brute of a horse but he has come back a lot stronger through his shoulder and through his neck. He has taken that natural improvement into his four-year-old season that we would expect.

"He has got to go out and do it on Saturday but we feel like he is going to run a massive race."

Important Notice:
Information is provided by the third-party provider and it is intended to be used for reference only. The content and information have not been verified or confirmed by The Hong Kong Jockey Club and/or its affiliates (together, the “HKJC”), and will not be used for dividend payout purposes. HKJC also do not make any representation or warranty about the timeliness, reliability or accuracy of any such information. The data, articles and other information on these pages are provided on an “as is” basis for information purposes only. None of The Hong Kong Jockey Club, its affiliates or any other person involved in or related to the compilation of such information guarantees its accuracy or reliability and accepts no liability (whether in tort or contract or otherwise) for any loss or damage arising from any inaccuracies or omissions.

Joliestar’s class shines through in Shorts

Information provided by Racing & Sports

23/09/2025

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Joliestar has taken care of her more fancied rivals in the Group 2 Shorts. It was a mare that proved too strong in the $1 million contest. The Chris Waller-conditioned Joliestar showed she is on the right track for The Everest in four week's time with an arrogant victory over Briasa by 1-1/4 lengths with stablemate to the winner Generosity a further length back in third.

Private Harry was a touch disappointing on face value and finished 4-1/2 lengths off the winner in fifth position with jockey Ash Morgan telling stewards he felt flat late. "I was under pressure a long way from home, I was flat from about the 350m," Morgan said. Although burdened with a wide trip throughout the 1100m contest, jockey James Mcdonald always had a plan as to what he would do from the wide draw with his mount.

"I only had one objective and that was to get her into a smooth rhythm, I didn't want a stop-start affair," McDonald said. "She slid around, albeit deep, but how I was thinking was Briasa was the one to beat and he was just inside me. "It wasn't like he was on the fence and I was four wide. He was not far off me and she was game as anything. "She's a solid horse that runs seven furlongs, that was thrilling and she deserves a spot in The Everest. "I think she will make her presence felt."

Waller was looking forward to the $20 million feature and believed he had mapped out the right plan of attack. "That's mainly why she didn't run last week," Waller said. "If we were going five weeks, I would have thought yeah she needs another run. "But today, four weeks, a trial and she'll be ready to go."

Important Notice:
Information is provided by the third-party provider and it is intended to be used for reference only. The content and information have not been verified or confirmed by The Hong Kong Jockey Club and/or its affiliates (together, the “HKJC”), and will not be used for dividend payout purposes. HKJC also do not make any representation or warranty about the timeliness, reliability or accuracy of any such information. The data, articles and other information on these pages are provided on an “as is” basis for information purposes only. None of The Hong Kong Jockey Club, its affiliates or any other person involved in or related to the compilation of such information guarantees its accuracy or reliability and accepts no liability (whether in tort or contract or otherwise) for any loss or damage arising from any inaccuracies or omissions.

Ka Ying Rising lands in Sydney

Information provided by Racing & Sports

23/09/2025

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Superstar Hong Kong sprinter Ka Ying Rising has arrived safely in Sydney. The David Hayes-trained speedster touched down mid-morning on Monday in what was the biggest step in his quest towards the $20 million sprint at Randwick on October 18.

The son of Shamexpress reportedly travelled well and Australian Turf Club racing manager Nevesh Ramdhani said it was a coup to have Hong Kong's best horse in town for the Spring Carnival.

"Absolutely, the ratings on this horse after his 13 wins have just been incredible," Ramdhani said.

"In the 10 years we've been doing it, I can't remember another horse that has been rated as highly as he has.

"It's also building on the relationship we already have with the Hong Kong Jockey Club.

"That's also a very important component of why we did it, to build and strengthen relationships between Sydney racing and Hong Kong."

Ka Ying Rising landed in Sydney a winner of 14 of his 16 starts, with two narrow second placings, and he has not been beaten since January last year.

The five-year-old is the highest-rated sprinter, and one of the highest-rated gallopers in the world, with a peak Racing And Sports Rating of 132.

To put that into perspective, Via Sistina ran a 132 rating in last year's Cox Plate romp, while Black Caviar and Winx retired with peak figures of 136 and 134 respectively.

Shortly after arriving, he was transported to the Canterbury Quarantine Facility where he will serve his two-week isolation period before ramping up preparations for The Everest with a Randwick trial on October 7.

Ka Ying Rising is the first of a number of international gallopers who will descend on Sydney this week with last year's Golden Eagle winner Lake Forest and Sam Hawkens to arrive on Tuesday.

Their stablemate Bullet Point is also coming, scheduled to land on October 14, in the same shipment as Panja Tower, Seagulls Eleven and Luther.

Important Notice:
Information is provided by the third-party provider and it is intended to be used for reference only. The content and information have not been verified or confirmed by The Hong Kong Jockey Club and/or its affiliates (together, the “HKJC”), and will not be used for dividend payout purposes. HKJC also do not make any representation or warranty about the timeliness, reliability or accuracy of any such information. The data, articles and other information on these pages are provided on an “as is” basis for information purposes only. None of The Hong Kong Jockey Club, its affiliates or any other person involved in or related to the compilation of such information guarantees its accuracy or reliability and accepts no liability (whether in tort or contract or otherwise) for any loss or damage arising from any inaccuracies or omissions.