New Zealand-bred sprinter Ka Ying Rising (NZ) (Shamexpress) has secured a coveted slot in the A$20 million The Everest (1200m), the world’s richest turf race.
The announcement follows his undefeated season in Hong Kong, culminating in a commanding victory in the Gr.1 Chairman’s Sprint Prize at Sha Tin on April 27, marking his 12th consecutive win.
Trained by David Hayes, Ka Ying Rising’s Australian campaign is strategically planned to include two major races in Sydney this spring.
The four-year-old son of Shamexpress is set to debut in The Everest (1200m) at Randwick on October 18, followed by the A$3 million Russell Balding Stakes (1300m) at Rosehill two weeks later.
A$1 million bonus is on offer for any horse that clinches both races.
Bred by Fraser Auret under his Grandmoral Lodge banner, Ka Ying Rising is out of the Per Incanto mare Missy Moo.
The winner of a Levin jumpout for Marton-based Auret, Ka Ying Rising was sold to the Lindsay Park team and would go on to win a trial in Australia prior to his export to Hong Kong,
Ka Ying Rising will race for new slot-holder the Hong Kong Jockey Club which is understood to have negotiated a lease arrangement for the Australian Turf Club’s slot.
Hall of Fame trainer David Hayes had been anticipating Ka Ying Rising’s Everest selection and is already planning the wo-start Sydney spring campaign for the world’s highest-rated sprinter.
“I’ve had stables at Randwick before and always had a good relationship with the club (Australian Turf Club) so I’m pleased that it seems likely the Hong Kong Jockey Club has come to a deal with them,” Hayes said.
“Now we can concentrate on getting Ka Ying Rising ready for The Everest.”