Dominant Ka Ying Rising trials at Sha Tin

[Wandering Eyes]

Ka Ying Rising (NZ) (Shamexpress) took another confident step towards the Longines Hong Kong International Races (HKIR) as he dashed well clear of a batch of top-class operators in a barrier trial at Sha Tin on Friday.

The world’s top-rated sprinter broke well and ran keenly before surging down the 1200m dirt straight in a brisk 1m 10.19s under regular rider Zac Purton. The run provided a final tune-up before the HK$5.35 million Gr.2 BOCHK Private Banking Jockey Club Sprint (1200m) at Sha Tin on 23 November.

It was a commanding display from the five-year-old, who has won 14 consecutive races. Ominously for rivals targeting his HK$28 million Gr.1 Longines Hong Kong Sprint (1200m) crown on 14 December, handler David Hayes believes Ka Ying Rising has improved since conquering the AU$20 million (approx. HK$101 million) Gr.1 The Everest (1200m) in October.

“It was an upper-class trial with some of Hong Kong’s best horses and he did what he does,” Hayes said.

“A lot of horses … who have had these international trips come back better if they’ve handled it well. I think he has, and I’m actually confident that the trip has brought him on.”

The outing was the five-time Group One-winner’s first trial since his return from Royal Randwick in Sydney, Australia, where he confirmed his credentials as racing’s best sprinter with a convincing win in the world’s most valuable turf race. Purton said his enthusiasm was obvious.

“He’s very fresh. He’s very eager to get on with things – he’s probably going 10 per cent keen,” the 42-year-old said. “He trialled well, so that’ll take the stuffing out of him a little bit and he can relax now until race day.”

Looking better than ever, Ka Ying Rising!

Hong Kong’s Horse of the Year and five-time Group 1 winner Ka Ying Rising led home My Wish and Divano in a trial at Sha Tin this morning with @zpurton up… #LoveRacing | #HKracing pic.twitter.com/ovVCrYSvwk

— HKJC Racing (@HKJC_Racing) November 14, 2025

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