Ka Ying Rising, the world’s top-rated sprinter, will avoid the Champions Sprint at Flemington in favour of the Russell Balding Stakes at Rosehill in November.
Trainer David Hayes revealed the decision, which comes after Racing Victoria’s tough veterinary protocols prompted the change in plans.
“The race after The Everest carries a bonus for The Everest winner.” Hayes told the South China Morning Post.
“It means he doesn’t have to do any extra travelling and doesn’t have to go through the protocols again to run in Melbourne, so the protocols made my decision very easy,”
Racing Victoria’s strict rules, implemented in 2021 following fatalities in the Melbourne Cup, would require Ka Ying Rising to undergo further scans and assessments before being cleared to race in Melbourne.
Hayes, however, expressed his frustration with the protocols.
“I’m not asking for any favours, but I think they should review the rule. I think it’s overkill.” he said.
“The horse has to go to hospital to have the tests, which normally healthy horses aren’t in hospital, he has to travel which is another risk, have a day away from his routine feed and be tranquillised to have it done, so it’s quite an ordeal,”
Ka Ying Rising, the odds-on favorite for The Everest, is targeting the Russell Balding Stakes for an A$1 million bonus.
