Hayes hails Conghua as key to developing young talent
Dual Hong Kong Champion Trainer David Hayes has praised the environment and facilities at Conghua Racecourse, describing them as vital to developing his stable’s young horses.
Hayes has been among the most successful trainers with horses prepared at Conghua before racing in Hong Kong. Ahead of Wednesday’s (15 July) Season Finale at Happy Valley, 20 of his 54 winners this season had trained at Conghua between runs.
“I think I have been one of the leading Conghua stables over the last three years, and I believe next season will be even better,” Hayes said. “Most of my young horses have benefited from training in Conghua. They will continue to improve next season and hopefully become my vintage crop.”
Hayes believes the varied training environment and world-class facilities at Conghua play an important role in a horse’s education.
“I think young horses learn a lot more by being trained in different surroundings,” he said. “The most important factor is that they can become accustomed to the grass track. They have more opportunities to train on turf than when they are based at Sha Tin.
“As a result, they can learn more in Conghua, which helps them mature both mentally and physically.”
The standout example is the world’s highest-rated sprinter, Ka Ying Rising (NZ) (Shamexpress), who spent much of his early career at Conghua and is currently preparing there for his return next season.
Named Hong Kong Horse of the Year for the second consecutive season at last week's Hong Kong Jockey Club Champion Awards, Ka Ying Rising is due back at Sha Tin in August.
“Ka Ying Rising is having a great time in Conghua at the moment,” Hayes said. “He will return to Hong Kong four or five days before the Sha Tin barrier trial in late August as part of his preparation for the season-opener and then The Everest (G1, 1200m).
“Conghua has always been an important part of Ka Ying Rising’s preparation and race build-up. Everyone can see that the best sprinter in the world undergoes training there. We are all looking forward to another exciting season from him.”
Looking ahead, Hayes believes Conghua will become a popular racing venue when regular race meetings begin.
“Conghua Racecourse will be a very good racing venue and I think it will become very popular,” he said. “I am very much looking forward to regular racing there and will support it as strongly as possible.”
