World champion sprinter Ka Ying Rising has produced one of the most extraordinary performances of his career, smashing the Sha Tin 1200m course record by more than a second while extending his winning streak to 21.
The David Hayes-trained superstar stopped the clock at a remarkable 1:06.11 in Sunday’s Group 3 Chief Executive’s Cup, obliterating his own previous track record of 1:07.12.
The performance provided an ominous warning for his rivals ahead of his defence of the $20 million The Everest at Randwick, with jockey Zac Purton adamant there is still improvement to come.
“He’s got improvement, there’s no doubt about that so that’s why I gave him a bit of a push to give him that blow,” Purton said.
“We’ve got to try to bring him on for The Everest, but he handled himself really well and he changed his leg, that’s what I liked.”
Ka Ying Rising’s dominant return came after he had been subject to veterinary scrutiny during the week because of minor bruising to a hoof.
The issue ultimately proved no obstacle as he produced another breathtaking performance in his final race before travelling to Australia.
Ka Ying Rising is expected to enter quarantine following Sunday’s victory as preparations ramp up for his trip to Sydney and Everest title defence.
As was the case last year, the gelding is likely to have a barrier trial at Randwick around 10 days before The Everest.
Ka Ying Rising is also currently the joint highest-rated racehorse in the world on a mark of 131, sharing top billing with Ombudsman, winner of the Group 1 Prince Of Wales’s Stakes at Royal Ascot.
