David Hayes is confident Ka Ying Rising is on track for The Everest after Randwick trial.
Opinions were divided on Ka Ying Rising’s first and only official trial in Australia less than two weeks out from The Everest, but trainer David Hayes is confident his sprinting star will be ready.
In a star-studded heat at Randwick on Tuesday morning, Ka Ying Rising finished third under Zac Purton who flew in from Hong Kong, beaten a head by Linebacker with Overpass splitting the pair.
Ka Ying Rising wasn’t asked for a serious effort by Purton in a time of 58.39 over 1000m with that trio putting a gap on fellow Everest contenders Joliestar and Angel Capital, along with star milers Mr Brightside and Fangirl.
Hayes said Ka Ying Rising needed the work having not raced for a month, confident the four-time Group One winner would tighten up greatly for the work.
“It was a good, solid trial but he did need it,” Hayes said.
“He had a really good, hard hit out, he probably went a bit easier than the ones behind him.
“I promise he’ll be twenty pounds lighter next week.
“He blew a few cobwebs out and he’ll really come on a lot for that and he’ll have a nice gallop on Monday (October 13th) and he’ll be right for the big one.”
Welcome to Randwick, KA YING RISING! 🏔️
The Hong Kong superstar has his first trial in Australia alongside his @tabcomau Everest rivals and finishes nicely! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/iT5OmtV9HC
— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) October 6, 2025
Zac Purton echoed the sentiment, saying the trial was a “pass mark” with improvement to come.
“He was certainly feeling the moment a little bit and then carrying the extra condition, compared to his racing weight, on the softer ground he felt obviously it a little bit,” Purton said.
“The ground was a bit softer than what he’s used to. I thought he got through it okay, it’s a pass mark but I think he needs to be better on race day.
“That’s the challenge we wanted to take and we look forward to it.”
Formerly the head of Lindsay Park Racing in Australia, Hayes admits it’s a bit surreal coming home with a horse of the quality that Ka Ying Rising possesses, rated the best sprinter in the world and the $1.50 favourite for the $20 million Group 1 on October 18.
“It’s a bit different coming home, in Hong Kong you have a small pool of horses, so you’re less likely to get a superstar. You only get ten, twelve new horses, and for him to turn up, I really didn’t expect that,” Hayes said.
The Everest field is close to being finalised with 10 of the 12 slots being filled. Yulong Investments are searching for a replacement for Private Harry who has been sent to the paddock while Godolphin are expected to select one of Tempted or Beiwacht.
