Ka Ying Rising Wins Sha Tin Trial Ahead of Season Opener and Everest Defence
Thestandard · 2 SOURCESabout 2 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
Champion sprinter Ka Ying Rising underscored his readiness for the new season with a dominant 1,000-meter barrier trial victory at Sha Tin on Sunday, September 1, 2025. Ridden by Zac Purton and trained by David Hayes, the superstar galloper coasted home two lengths clear of his rivals under a strong hold, completing the trial in convincing fashion . The performance came during the Jockey Club's pre-season carnival, a family-friendly event that gave hundreds of children rare access to the racecourse to witness the champion at close range .
Key Points
- Ka Ying Rising won his 1,000-meter Sha Tin trial by two lengths, with jockey Zac Purton keeping him under a strong hold throughout
- Purton confirmed the horse "jumped out well, he cruised along" and has "pulled up in pretty good shape" ahead of his competitive return
- The six-year-old will compete in the Group Three HKSAR Chief Executive's Cup (1,200m) at Sunday's season-opening meeting on September 6
- After the Hong Kong debut, the champion sprinter heads to Sydney in October to defend his title in The Everest against Australia's elite gallopers
- Ka Ying Rising holds an unmatched record of 21 consecutive victories and two Sha Tin course record times
Why It Matters
The trial victory confirms Ka Ying Rising has retained his exceptional sprinting abilities despite a break from competition, maintaining Hong Kong's standing in international horse racing . The horse's upcoming Group Three assignment at the season opener, followed by a title defence at The Everest in Sydney, positions the Jockey Club to showcase its premier sprinter on the global stage .
The trial victory confirms Ka Ying Rising has retained his exceptional sprinting abilities despite a break from competition, maintaining Hong Kong's standing in international horse racing . The horse's upcoming Group Three assignment at the season opener, followed by a title defence at The Everest in Sydney, positions the Jockey Club to showcase its premier sprinter on the global stage .