Ka Ying High Rise Prepares for Everest Title Defense Ahead of Sunday Departure to Australia
SingTao · 1 SOURCES1 day ago2 MIN
Summary
The reigning Everest champion Ka Ying High Rise is finalizing preparations for its title defense, with the horse scheduled to depart Hong Kong for Sydney this Sunday. Trainer David Hayes confirmed the gelding completed its final local fast work on Saturday morning and will undergo quarantine at Randwick Kembla upon arrival in Australia. With the world's richest turf race just one month away, Hayes expressed confidence in the horse's form following its record-breaking win in the Chief Executive's Cup.
Key Points
- Ka Ying High Rise completed its final fast work at Sha Tin Racecourse on Saturday morning under the Hayes stable team, marking its last local session before Sunday's departure to Australia .
- The horse will be transported to Sydney and quarantined at Randwick Kembla Training Centre, using the same preparation base as last year's successful Everest campaign .
- Hayes revealed Ka Ying High Rise set a new course record when winning the Chief Executive's Cup over 1,200 meters on turf, and recent fast work has shown the horse progressing as expected .
- The horse's primary rival is expected to be Emotional Heart, who finished second in last year's Everest and has won all four starts this season including a Group 2 win upon return .
- Australian commentators view Emotional Heart as Ka Ying High Rise's main threat, with the Godolphin camp expected to field their champion as the representative for the Godolphin operation .
Why It Matters
With the Everest Championship offering the highest prize money on turf globally, Hong Kong's participation signals the continued international competitiveness of the city's racing industry. A successful defense would reinforce Hong Kong's reputation as a world-class racing jurisdiction and provide a significant boost to the local breeding and training sector.
With the Everest Championship offering the highest prize money on turf globally, Hong Kong's participation signals the continued international competitiveness of the city's racing industry. A successful defense would reinforce Hong Kong's reputation as a world-class racing jurisdiction and provide a significant boost to the local breeding and training sector.