Hong Kong star Ka Ying Rising takes talents to Everest

European observers could be forgiven for showing only intermittent interest in the developing story of Everest (G1), a race that will be held for only the ninth time at Randwick Racecourse on October 18 and which has attracted only two runners from Europe in its short history.

With a total prize fund of AU$20 million (approximately US$12.95 million), the upstart is the world’s richest race on artificial turf – second only to the $20 million Saudi Cup (G1) on dirt in the global hierarchy – while its 12 starting spots are bought for AU$700,000 at a time by some of the biggest racing, breeding and gambling organizations around.

The 2025 edition offers a truly intriguing international element as the Hong Kong Jockey Club in partnership with the Australian Turf Club has negotiated the “rental” of one of the 12 slots, bringing superstars Ka Ying rises the chance to prove his status as a world leader could extend beyond his regular Sha Tin playground.

Ka Ying Rising has won 14 of his 16 starts in Hong Kong, with a current winning streak of 13 with four Group 1 starts.

With an international rating of 126 he has 9lb in hand over the next best horses in the book, Joliester (who receives the mare allowance of £4) and Briasawhile in Hong Kong he is trained by a legend of Australian turf, David Hayes.

A difficult preparation or media hype?

Everest has become such a media obsession in racing circles that the arrival of Ka Ying Rising would undoubtedly generate enormous interest.

A disappointing barrier test at Randwick and a much more convincing solo grass breeze at the ATC base for international runners at Canterbury Park fell either side of a bizarre episode involving a hacked social media account and rumors that Ka Ying Rising was weak.

Hayes gave a positive update after Ka Ying Rising’s hit in Canterbury.

“I think he really improved from that trial,” Hayes said. “The idea of ​​the trial was to get him in, and I think that’s the case. I would rate his performance at the time as a seven out of ten.

‘We mustn’t forget that he had never seen Randwick before, so he looked around. I’m sure if we tried him today he would get a nine out of ten or a ten out of ten.’

Hayes added: “He’s made the progress we thought he would and I expect a bold performance. I’m very happy and I like the weather pattern too, a nice firm track will only help.”

Ka Ying Rising’s track record for 6 furlongs at Sha Tin is 1:07.20, while the best at Randwick belongs to Yes Yes Yes, who recorded 1:07.32 when winning Everest in 2019.

Some rival trainers, including Chris Waller, have pointed out that the hard base under the Sha Tin turf contributes to the speed Ka Ying Rising shows in every start, although Hayes believes his champion may be able to do something very special on the clock from stall seven.

“In Sydney they have a nice run of 600 to 700 meters (to the turn), so the pace isn’t as hectic,” Hayes said. “The barrier isn’t that important to him because he has incredible gate speed and the ability to sit down, so he’s pretty foolproof.

“Normally you don’t go for records because you don’t get anything extra for it, but I would say if the conditions are right this weekend he will shake the record. They will have to be very good to beat him, and the market says so.”