David Hayes and Zac Purton agree that Ka Ying Rising didn’t bring his best to Australia, and it’s a wrong they want to right, as he defends his Everest title at Randwick next month.
The world champion sprinter will return at Sha Tin on Sunday and look to make it 21 straight victories, but it’s also about making sure he is better in Sydney this time.
“It was his worst win of last season [The Everest],” Hayes said. “But the trip helped him get better.
“He broke four track records after that – horses don’t do those sort of things.
“We want to get it right to show him off this time.”
Purton adds about The Everest: “He was good enough to win but it was a long way from where he was in Hong Kong.
“It is kind of something we want to get right, so Australia sees the best of him.
“He is much bigger and stronger now and can take a bit more work and I’m really looking forward to Sunday and the Everest.”
The program is the same as last year with the Chief Executive’s Cup on Hong Kong’s opening day, a hit-out for Ka Ying Rising before quarantine and a trip to Sydney.
There was plenty of drama last time he hit our shores with the infamous flat trial before rumours he wouldn’t start, which saw him get out beyond even-money the Sunday before the Everest.
It was a taste of the interest the outstanding sprinter attracts and this year it has started earlier.
A slight hind hoof problem after kicking the wall earlier this week hasn’t kept him from any work, but made headlines.
He then went like a jet on Thursday morning to confirm he was on track.
Hayes was relieved but admits he has structured the preparation differently for the Everest in 2026.
“I just don’t want to have him as fresh. We will get some work in to him before we get there,” Hayes said. “I don’t want to go through that experience with the trial again down there.
“I have only been worried about him twice after trials.
“The first one he had, because I was trying to hide him, and in Australia because I didn’t know how to explain it.
“We had him a bit fresh for it, and it was concerning.
“We have learnt a bit from last time and he is ready for Sunday, which is important for him here in Hong Kong.
“And he will be better down there, just you wait and see.”
