Ka Ying Rising remains on the long-term wish list of Racing Victoria’s international recruiter Paul Bloodworth, who is hopeful the star Hong Kong sprinter’s dominance can continue for at least another 12 months.
David Hayes briefly considered extending The Everest campaign of his pin-up horse to Melbourne this spring.
But quarantine restrictions and a tight turnaround for the Hong Kong International Sprint in December meant the idea was quickly quashed, but Bloodworth said Hayes has indicated a 2026 spring campaign could include a tilt at the G1 Champions Sprint (1200m) at Flemington, provided Ka Ying Rising continues his dominance within the sprinting ranks.
“Both Leigh Jordon and I had several conversations with David about the Champions Sprint not long after it was announced he was definitely going to The Everest,” Bloodworth said.
“We tried hard and for a little while thought that it might fly, but logistically it was just a bit tricky with David. He’s got a clear focus of getting back to the Hong Kong International Sprint and coming down here (Victoria) after The Everest would have made that a bit tight.”
“What David has said is that he will seriously look at just coming for the Champions Sprint next year, assuming all goes well in The Everest. David would love to see him down the straight, that was the overarching sense that Leigh and I got when talking to him. We would’ve loved it to happen this year because obviously he’s going to be in Australia but we’ll file him in the next year file and work with David to get him here next year.”
Ka Ying Rising is the $1.75 favourite with Bet365 for The Everest after his 13th consecutive win in Sunday’s Chief Executive’s Cup at Sha Tin.
