Ka Ying Rising thriving after Sydney arrival

Trainer David Hayes believes Ka Ying Rising (NZ) (Shamexpress) is in even better shape than 12 months ago after the Hong Kong superstar arrived in Sydney to defend his Gr.1 The Everest (1200m) crown at Randwick on October 17.

The New Zealand-bred son of Shamexpress arrived on Monday and has settled into quarantine at Canterbury, where he will spend the next two weeks before trialling at Randwick on October 6 under regular rider Zac Purton.

Ka Ying Rising lost just 5kg on the trip from Hong Kong, having deliberately travelled heavier than last year, and Hayes said all indications were that he had handled the journey exceptionally well.

“He has settled in fine, my team is really excited how he handled it,” Hayes said.

“They brought him through last year and I have just talked to my vet, who has just flown back, and she thinks he handled it better than he did last year.

“Last year was fine but we are all better for the run.”

Ka Ying Rising travelled with his retired half-brother Ka Ying Glory (NZ) (Turn Me Loose), who will serve as his companion throughout the trip.

“He bowed a tendon a few months ago and retired from racing, so his one job in life now is to eat well and travel with Ka Ying Rising, which isn't bad,” Hayes said.

“Last year Ka Ying Cheer travelled with him and it's really important, mainly from a mental perspective. Their job is to keep him stimulated and eating well. It's hugely important.”

The six-year-old heads into his Everest defence riding a 21-race winning streak, having produced a stunning return in the Gr.3 HKSAR Chief Executive’s Cup (1200m) at Sha Tin earlier this month, lowering his own track record by almost a second.

Hayes believes Ka Ying Rising, who has won 22 of his 24 starts, has returned a significantly better horse this season.

“I say conservatively he is 10 percent better than last year,” Hayes said.

“It’s always hard to judge, but I would say 10 percent or more.”

Ka Ying Rising won last year's A$20 million The Everest in his first appearance outside Hong Kong and will again race in the slot leased by the Hong Kong Jockey Club from the Australian Turf Club.

The logistics surrounding the valuable sprinter's Australian campaign are significant, with a private Boeing 747 chartered to fly him back to Hong Kong two days after The Everest.

“He's their headline horse and just so valuable, so they are heavily invested in making sure everything goes to plan when he leaves home,” Hayes said.

“A private 747 plane has been chartered to bring him home two days after The Everest to ensure he's back and settled as quickly as possible.

“It's a big exercise with a lot on the line.”