Hayes eyes winker tweak for Ka Ying Rising
SCMP · 1 SOURCES1 day ago2 MIN
Summary
David Hayes is planning to adjust Ka Ying Rising’s equipment as he looks ahead to a redemption attempt in The Everest after the star sprinter’s narrow defeat last Saturday. Hayes said he remained convinced barrier 11 was the key factor after Ka Ying Rising made up ground late despite covering extra ground in the Group One sprint. The half-neck loss to Tempted ended the Hong Kong-trained galloper’s record 21-race winning streak and his first defeat since January 2024. Ka Ying Rising has since returned to Sha Tin, where he pulled up well and began a two-week quarantine period
Key Points
- Hayes flagged a possible winker change for Ka Ying Rising as part of preparations for another shot at The Everest next year
- Ka Ying Rising finished a half-neck second to Tempted in last Saturday’s world-richest turf race after a wide run from barrier 11
- Hayes said barrier 11 ultimately cost the champion sprinter, who closed strongly late but could not overhaul the winner
- The defeat ended a 21-race winning streak, a record run for a Hong Kong-trained horse, and was his first loss since January 2024
- After the race, Ka Ying Rising returned safely to Sha Tin, pulled up well, and entered two weeks of quarantine
Why It Matters
For Hong Kong racing followers, the next move with Ka Ying Rising will be closely watched because he remains one of the city’s standout international sprint hopes. Hayes’ willingness to alter gear after such a narrow defeat shows how small tactical and equipment decisions can shape results at the top level