Monday, October 12, 2026, at 12:07 pm

As the clock ticks down to the A$20 million G1 The Everest at Randwick this Saturday, trainer David Hayes has issued a bold declaration about his charge, Ka Ying Rising, comparing the nine-time Group 1 winner to the legendary Australian mare Black Caviar. With five days remaining until the prestigious sprint event, Hayes expressed unwavering confidence in the Hong Kong-based speedster’s ability to replicate his 2025 triumph.

"We probably need to have a bad day and they [Saturday’s rivals] need to have a very good day to beat him," Hayes stated on Monday, following Ka Ying Rising’s final preparatory gallop. The trainer, a highly respected figure in international racing, witnessed the horse’s smooth final workout, which further solidified his belief in the gelding’s exceptional talent.

Hayes elaborated on his remarkable comparison, describing Ka Ying Rising as a "generational horse, a freak of nature." He highlighted the horse’s astonishing record at Sha Tin, where he has broken the track record over 1,200 metres an unprecedented five times, often with ease. "I’ve never seen that before, especially eased down," Hayes remarked. "I never thought I would see a sprinter as good as Black Caviar until this horse came along. So, he’s in rare air at the moment. You can have your opinion who’s better, that’s not the point, but he’s as good as her [Black Caviar], anyway, I think."

This assertion places Ka Ying Rising in an elite category of equine athletes. Black Caviar, trained by Peter Moody, achieved an unblemished record of 25 consecutive victories during her illustrious career, becoming a national icon and a global racing phenomenon. Ka Ying Rising now aims to extend his own formidable winning streak to 22 races when he faces a competitive field in The Everest. His rivals include highly-rated contenders such as Tempted (Street Boss), Joliestar (Zoustar), Jimmysstar (Per Incanto), and Giga Kick (Scissor Kick), all vying for a share of the richest turf race prize in the world.

Final Preparations and Confidence Boost

Ka Ying Rising, a six-year-old son of Shamexpress, completed his final significant workout on Monday morning at Canterbury Racecourse. Accompanied by his regular track rider, Roy Ip, the horse covered 1,000 metres. Hayes was visibly pleased with the gelding’s performance, noting a significant improvement since his barrier trial at Randwick the previous week.

"He had a nice, long, steady canter to warm up and then he quickened from the 600m and was rolling down the straight," Hayes recounted. "I’m not sure if the times are right, but we got him at 36.5s [for the last 600m]. The riding boy was very happy and what I was particularly happy with was the recovery."

Hayes explained the strategic approach to Ka Ying Rising’s preparation. "He had an easier gallop going into the trial, but what the trial has done has got him back into game-day mode and that was his strongest piece." This approach suggests a finely tuned program designed to ensure the horse is at peak fitness and readiness for the demands of The Everest, a race renowned for its intensity and the quality of its participants.

Addressing Concerns Over Track Conditions

A notable point of discussion surrounding Ka Ying Rising’s chances has been the potential impact of track conditions. Zac Purton, the accomplished Australian jockey who has achieved nine champion jockey titles in Hong Kong and is set to ride Ka Ying Rising in The Everest, has voiced reservations about the horse’s performance on potentially soft ground. Purton’s concern stems from his experience with Hong Kong racing surfaces, which can differ significantly from those found in Australia.

However, David Hayes remains unfazed by these concerns. He offered a nuanced perspective on the matter, stating, "The Hong Kong wet track is a bit different to the Australian wet track. The grass is a bit tighter and he has a daisy-cutting action." Hayes believes that Ka Ying Rising’s stride and action are well-suited to a variety of conditions.

He addressed Purton’s recent observations from the barrier trial: "Zac has a query on an Aussie wet – I don’t. I’m not worried. I think, the other day, Zac thought he laboured a little bit in the trial. I think that was fitness and having a good look around. It was his first hit-out in five weeks." Hayes suggested that Purton’s assessment might have been influenced by the horse’s return to racing after a short break.

To further support his confidence, Hayes recalled a past experience that convinced him of Ka Ying Rising’s adaptability: "Zac has given himself a bit of wiggle room but, when I bought him, I saw him win a trial on heavy ground. It was only a trial, but he looked pretty good, so I bought him." This historical evidence of success on a testing surface provides Hayes with a strong foundation for his optimism regarding the upcoming race, regardless of the prevailing weather.

The Everest: A Global Showcase

The Everest, now in its tenth running since its inception in 2017, has rapidly ascended to become a premier event in the global racing calendar. Its innovative slot-holder system, where each of the 12 positions in the race is bought by a promoter for A$15 million over three years, has attracted significant international attention and investment. The race is not just about prize money; it’s about prestige, brand building, and the opportunity for owners and trainers to showcase their equine talent on a global stage.

The A$20 million purse makes it the richest turf race in the world, surpassing events like the Dubai World Cup and the Pegasus World Cup. This financial incentive, coupled with the elite field of sprinters it attracts, ensures that The Everest is a must-watch event for racing enthusiasts worldwide. The race’s success has also spurred similar initiatives in other racing jurisdictions, demonstrating its impact on the sport’s commercial landscape.

Ka Ying Rising’s Journey to Stardom

Ka Ying Rising’s rise through the racing ranks has been nothing short of spectacular. His dominance in Hong Kong, a notoriously competitive racing environment, speaks volumes about his class. Winning nine Group 1 races is a remarkable achievement for any horse, but Ka Ying Rising has consistently performed at the highest level, demonstrating both speed and tenacity.

His victories have often been characterized by breathtaking acceleration and a seemingly effortless ability to pull away from his rivals. The fact that he has broken track records multiple times, often with a degree of comfort, suggests an engine that is both powerful and efficient. This combination of raw speed and enduring stamina makes him a formidable opponent in any sprint contest.

His move to compete in The Everest further elevates his international profile. While Hong Kong racing is highly regarded, competing and winning against the best sprinters from Australia and potentially other racing nations in a race of The Everest’s magnitude solidifies his status as a truly elite athlete. His previous victory in the 2025 edition of The Everest would have been a significant milestone, and his attempt to defend that title underscores his current standing in the sport.

Strategic Considerations for The Everest

The Everest is a unique challenge, not only for the horses but also for their connections. The race’s relatively short history means that trainers and owners are constantly learning and adapting to its dynamics. The Randwick track itself presents its own set of challenges, with a long straight that rewards horses with sustained speed.

The field composition for The Everest is always a critical factor. While Ka Ying Rising is a proven champion, the emergence of new talent and the tactical nuances of a 12-horse sprint can create unexpected outcomes. Horses like Tempted, Joliestar, Jimmysstar, and Giga Kick represent the current generation of Australian sprinting talent, each with their own strengths and potential to challenge the established order.

The draw for starting positions, which is typically conducted closer to the race day, will also play a crucial role. A favorable draw can provide a significant advantage, allowing the jockey to secure an optimal position without expending too much energy early in the race. Conversely, an outside draw can force a jockey to make difficult decisions regarding pace and cover.

The Role of Zac Purton

Zac Purton’s involvement adds another layer of intrigue to Ka Ying Rising’s Everest campaign. As one of the most respected jockeys in world racing, his insights and riding prowess are invaluable. His experience in Hong Kong, where he has ridden against many of the world’s best horses and jockeys, provides him with a unique perspective.

Purton’s concerns about soft ground, while noted by Hayes, are grounded in his extensive knowledge of racing surfaces. However, his willingness to ride Ka Ying Rising in the race, despite his reservations, speaks to his confidence in the horse’s overall ability and his trust in David Hayes’ training methods. The partnership between a top jockey and a top trainer on a horse of Ka Ying Rising’s caliber is a potent combination.

Purton’s tactical approach in the race will be closely watched. He will need to balance the desire to keep Ka Ying Rising in his rhythm with the need to respond to the moves of his rivals. The Everest is often a race where early positioning and mid-race tactics can be as important as raw speed.

Broader Implications and Future Outlook

Ka Ying Rising’s potential victory in The Everest would not only be a personal triumph for the horse, trainer, and jockey but also a significant event for Hong Kong racing. It would further solidify the region’s reputation as a powerhouse in international thoroughbred racing and underscore the success of its breeding and training programs.

For David Hayes, another win in such a prestigious international event would add another significant chapter to his already illustrious career. His ability to identify, train, and campaign elite horses across different continents has made him a globally recognized figure in the sport.

The performance of Ka Ying Rising in The Everest will be scrutinized by racing fans and industry professionals alike. His continued success, particularly in the face of challenging conditions or formidable opposition, will undoubtedly lead to further comparisons with racing legends and further cement his place in the annals of thoroughbred history. The world of racing will be watching closely to see if Ka Ying Rising can once again conquer the A$20 million Everest and defend his crown, continuing his remarkable journey as one of the sport’s brightest stars.