Ka Ying Rising Conquers The Everest: A Historic Win for Hong Kong

In a breathtaking display of speed and class, Hong Kong’s superstar sprinter Ka Ying Rising cemented his status as the world’s top-ranked sprinter by storming to victory in the $20 million Group 1 TAB The Everest (1200m) at Royal Randwick today. The five-year-old gelding, trained by David Hayes and ridden by champion jockey Zac Purton, extended his remarkable 13-race win streak to 14, clinching Australia’s richest race and etching his name into history as the first international winner of the prestigious sprint.

A Dominant Performance

Ka Ying Rising, the $2 odds-on favorite, faced skepticism from Australian punters questioning his ability to adapt to Randwick’s challenging straight and firmer turf. But the Sha Tin sensation silenced doubters with a devastating final 100 meters, surging from midfield to win by 1¼ lengths in a brisk 1:08.45 on a Good 4 track. Purton, who has ridden the horse in nearly all his victories, rated him perfectly, hitting the front at the 300m mark and coasting to the line.

Ciaron Maher’s Tempted ($16) fought bravely for second, with stablemate Jimmysstar ($13) taking third. Bjorn Baker’s Overpass, who set a strong early pace, faded to fourth in a field stacked with local stars like Mazu and In Secret. The victory, worth $7 million, pushed Ka Ying Rising’s career earnings past HK$100 million, adding to his glittering resume of Group 1 wins in Hong Kong, the UK, and Japan.

Voices from the Track

Zac Purton, visibly emotional, called the win the “single biggest moment” of his illustrious career. “He got a bit edgy in the gate, but we had a beautiful run,” Purton said. “This horse has given me a new sense of purpose—I was even thinking of retiring at 40, but not now.”

Trainer David Hayes, a Hall of Fame inductee, was equally elated. “It’s the biggest thrill of my life,” he said. “We brought him here to show Australia how good he is, and he’s done that today. Oh yeah, he’ll be back to defend next year.” Owner Leung Shek-kong echoed the sentiment, confirming plans for a 2026 title defense and calling the win a “dream come true.”

The Everest’s Global Milestone

The Everest, launched in 2017 by Racing New South Wales, has grown from a $10 million experiment to a $20 million global showdown, surpassing the Dubai World Cup as the richest turf race. Its unique slot system, where 12 license holders pay $700,000 to secure a runner, has drawn international heavyweights like the Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC), whose three-year slot deal paid dividends with Ka Ying Rising’s triumph. The race’s World Pool betting integration saw massive wagering from Asia, turning the event into a “clash of wagering worlds,” as one X post described it.

This historic win marks the first time an international horse has claimed The Everest, elevating its status as a true global sprint championship. Past winners like Redzel (2017, 2018), Nature Strip (2021), and Bella Nipotina (2024) set a high bar, but Ka Ying Rising’s dominance—now 15 wins from 17 starts—has redefined the race’s legacy.https://www.sportinglife.com/racing/racecards

What’s Next?

As the 50,000-strong Randwick crowd roared, Ka Ying Rising’s victory sent a clear message: Hong Kong racing is a force to be reckoned with. With plans for a 2026 return and whispers of a prize money hike to $25 million, The Everest is poised to attract even more global stars. For now, the racing world celebrates a new king of the turf, with fans on X hailing the performance as “scintillating” and a “moment for the ages.”https://theinfohatch.com/category/sports/others/

Ka Ying Rising has scaled the peak of sprinting glory. Don’t bet against him doing it again.