The suspension of a major betting market on The Everest triggered a wave of speculation regarding Hong Kong superstar Ka Ying Rising on Sunday night. However, renowned Australian trainer David Hayes quickly dismissed any concerns about the dominant favorite for the $20 million race at Randwick, scheduled for this coming Sunday.
Hayes, based in Hong Kong, described the rumors as “ludicrous” after significant market movements favored Australian contenders Joliestar and Jimmystar, both of which saw their odds halved for the 1200m sprint. According to Hayes, a fake social media account was responsible for spreading misinformation about the galloper.
“It’s the biggest load of c**p I’ve ever been involved in in my racing life,” Hayes told the South China Morning Post.
Ka Ying Rising’s Impressive Track Record
Ka Ying Rising has been a dominant force in racing, with its odds suggesting it had Australia’s richest race well within its reach in its first outing down under. This follows a period of dominance in Hong Kong. Despite a trial last Wednesday where the horse ran third while being held back by jockey Zac Purton, Hayes and Purton remain confident in the five-year-old’s abilities.
The horse, which had previously trialed at Moe in regional Victoria in 2023 before being sold to Hong Kong, is set for another hit-out on Monday morning. This event will be closely watched by punters in Australia and a legion of fans in Hong Kong. Hayes maintains that the horse is in excellent condition.
“It’s ludicrous,” Hayes told Australian racing website Betsy. “I don’t know where it’s come from because he hasn’t missed a beat since his trial and he’s really come on since then. He’s galloping in the morning and I’m sure he’ll work enormous.”
Addressing the Rumors
Hayes humorously addressed the rumors with racing analyst Gareth Hall, expressing disbelief at the situation. “It sounds like a rort! There is nothing wrong with him and he’s on track. I wish I saw some of the $3,” he quipped.
On Monday morning, after Ka Ying Rising completed an impressive gallop at Canterbury, Hayes spoke to Australian reporters, reiterating his confidence in the horse’s condition. He described the rumors as “fake news,” borrowing a phrase popularized by former U.S. President Donald Trump.
“After trackwork yesterday (Sunday) I rang my wife and I told her the horse is as good as I can get him. But then a few hours later, I started getting phone calls that there was something wrong with the horse and he would be scratched. It was laughable because he’s in great order. He has just gone 600m in 38s on the track this morning and did it easily. I’m very confident we have him at his best and it will take a good horse to beat him on Saturday.”
The Significance of The Everest
The Everest, held at Randwick Racecourse, is one of the most prestigious and lucrative horse racing events in Australia, attracting top competitors from around the globe. The race’s $20 million prize pool makes it a highly competitive event, with significant attention from both local and international racing communities.
Ka Ying Rising’s participation is particularly noteworthy given its successful track record in Hong Kong. The horse’s performance in The Everest will not only impact its own reputation but also reflect on the broader racing strategies employed by trainers like Hayes, who manage international racing portfolios.
Looking Ahead
As Ka Ying Rising prepares for its final pre-race hit-out, all eyes will be on its performance. The outcome of the upcoming training session and the race itself will likely influence betting markets and fan expectations. Hayes’s confidence in the horse suggests that, despite the rumors, Ka Ying Rising remains a formidable contender.
The anticipation surrounding The Everest continues to build, with fans and analysts eagerly awaiting the showdown at Randwick. As the race day approaches, the focus will shift from speculation to the actual performance on the track, where Ka Ying Rising will have the opportunity to prove its mettle.
