Zac Purton and David Hayes believe Ka Ying Rising is ready for another successful season after an impressive barrier trial at Sha Tin on Sunday, August 30.
The champion sprinter cruised to a two-length victory over Public Attention and Magic Control. He completed the 1,000-metre trial in 56.73 seconds.
The Ka Ying Rising barrier trial came one week before his return to competitive racing. He is set to make his seasonal debut at Sha Tin on Sunday, September 6.
Ka Ying Rising will attempt to extend his remarkable winning record when he contests the HK$4.2 million G3 HKSAR Chief Executive’s Cup Handicap over six furlongs.
Ka Ying Rising to improve
Ka Ying Rising started from barrier one alongside 10 rivals. He built momentum through the middle of the course before pulling clear.
Purton never asked the sprinter for his maximum effort. Despite that, Ka Ying Rising produced a strong time of 56.73 seconds.
His trial time was only slightly slower than the 56.45 seconds he recorded in the same trial last season.
Hayes believes the champion can still improve during the new campaign.
“I feel pretty good,” Hayes said.
“Zac said he didn’t change legs, but he was probably three or four seconds below course-record time, so he was doing it very easy.”
Hayes was also pleased with the horse’s physical development.
“You spell the horses trying to make them bigger and stronger, especially if they’re a sprinter, and he’s bigger and stronger than he’s ever been.”
The trainer added that he expects another season of improvement from the world-class sprinter.
Ka Ying Rising currently sits joint-top of the LONGINES World’s Best Racehorse Rankings. He also holds the title of Hong Kong’s reigning joint Horse of the Year.
After his first race of the season, Ka Ying Rising will enter a two-week quarantine period in Hong Kong.
He will then travel to Sydney, Australia, where he will attempt to win the AU$20 million G1 The Everest for a second consecutive year.
The Everest takes place at Royal Randwick on October 17.
Purton happy with gelding’s form
Purton, who has ridden Ka Ying Rising in 19 of his 21 victories (with Karis Teetan also scoring twice), said: “It was nice. He jumped out well, he cruised along.
“He just did enough to tick him over for his race next week. He’s pulled up in pretty good shape.
“For where he is at the moment, we’re happy with him.
“He’s a bit fitter now, he moved a bit better, his action was a bit better – but he’s back on the grass too.
“But he was on one leg the whole way, which is frustrating. How does a horse go 1000m up the straight on one leg?
“Normal horses can’t do it, but he’s got to sort that out when he gets back to the races.”
The 2026/27 Hong Kong racing season starts at Sha Tin on Sunday 6 September, featuring the HK$4.2m (approx. £400,000) G3 HKSAR Chief Executive’s Cup Handicap (6f/1200m).
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