Hayes “Thrilled” as HKJC Secures The Everest Slot for Ka Ying Rising

[Wandering Eyes]

Ka Ying Rising (Shamexpress), the world's highest-rated sprinter, has been confirmed as an intended runner in the A$20 million G1 The Everest after the Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC) finalised a deal to secure the Australian Turf Club's slot for two years.

Trained by David Hayes, Ka Ying Rising was last seen winning the G1 Chairman's Sprint Prize at Sha Tin in April, beating Japanese ace Satono Reve by over two lengths to gain his 12th consecutive win.

“I'm absolutely thrilled it's been finalised,” Hayes told the South China Morning Post on Thursday. “And I'm thrilled the club has organised the best deal possible for the owner, which is the most important thing for me.”

Outlining the details of the agreement, the HKJC's executive director of racing, Andrew Harding, added, “The club has entered into an agreement with the ATC for rights to use its The Everest slot.

“For this year, the Club will use the slot to enable Ka Ying Rising to take part in The Everest. In future years, we will use the slot to either facilitate a Hong Kong horse running or to target Australian or New Zealand sprinters to come onto the Hong Kong International Races after The Everest.”

The richest turf race in the world, The Everest is scheduled to take place at Randwick on Saturday, October 18, with Hayes yet to decide whether Ka Ying Rising will have a run on home soil before travelling to Australia. The HKSAR Chief Executive's Cup, a race he won last year, has been identified as a potential stepping stone.

“I'm going to work him as if he's heading towards [the Chief Executive's Cup],” said the Australian-born trainer. “Last year I went into it with one trial, but this year if he runs he'll probably go into with two trials.

“If he doesn't run, he'll have an exhibition gallop. But in the back of my mind I'm wary that when The Everest hits he'll be six months without a run, which is a long time.”

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