Return Trip to Everest Already on the Books for Ka Ying Rising

[Wandering Eyes]

Speed star Ka Ying Rising (Shamexpress) broke ground as the first international horse to win the G1 The Everest Saturday at Royal Randwick, and the connections have already gone on record in saying that they'd like to bring him back for a defense of his crown next year.

Now with 15 wins from 17 starts, and unbeaten in his last 14 jumps, Ka Ying Rising put doubts on his ability to rest when comfortably cruising home in the world's richest turf race despite not being at his personal best. Immediately after the race, Leung Shek Kong, representing the Ka Ying Syndicate, indicated he wanted their horse to return to Australia next season.

“We want to come back next year,” Leung said. “We have all enjoyed our time in Sydney and we want to thank the ATC (Australian Turf Club) and TAB (Totalisator Agency Board). I want to thank David Hayes and his team and The Hong Kong Jockey Club.”

As for trainer and rider, they have proclaimed the result as one of the highlights of their careers, as well as their charge's, who took everything in stride.

“I would say probably the single biggest moment [of his career] just because of the stature the race has got now and everything that came with it,” said winning rider Zac Purton. “…He got a little edgy in the gates but to his credit, he still began well and we had a beautiful run in the race.”

Despite the raucous antics of the roughly 50,000-strong crowd pre-race, Purton was thrilled everything went smoothly in the end.

“The crowd did a good job of buzzing him up before the race. I didn't expect them to boo him and be as vocal as they were when he came out onto the track and it was all the way down until he got to the end of the crowd. He handled it really well and I was impressed with that and I just love him–he's such a nice horse to ride.”

Ka Ying Rising is scheduled to fly out of Sydney early next week to return to his home base and begin preparations for the G1 Hong Kong Sprint. The race is part of the Longines Hong Kong International Races Dec. 14 at Sha Tin.

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