Ka Ying Rising dominated his return barrier trial at Sha Tin on Friday 21 August ahead of the start of the 2026/27 season, when he will reappear in the newly upgraded HK$4.2 million (approx. £400,000) G3 HKSAR Chief Executive’s Cup Handicap (6f/1200m).
Slated to run in the season-opening feature on Sunday 6 September – which he won in 2024 and 2025 as a Class 1 contest – Ka Ying Rising lengthened sharply under Zac Purton by nine and three-quarter lengths in front of Thunder Prince (second) in 1m 01.16s over 1050m on the rain-affected dirt as he led the seven-runner trial from start to finish.
Star gelding shines
“He put on a bit of weight in the break,” Purton said at Sha Tin.
“He got up over 1,190 pounds, so he’s certainly enjoying his life.
“He’ll only get one run on the opening day here, and then he goes to The Everest [G1, 1200m].”
Trained by David Hayes, Ka Ying Rising has won his past 20 races – a Hong Kong racing record – and was crowned co-Hong Kong Horse of the Year (2025/26) with Romantic Warrior last season, his second time receiving the accolade for owner Ka Ying Syndicate.
Australian Racing Hall of Famer Purton, who captured a ninth riding championship in 2025/26 with 143 wins in Hong Kong – including four Group 1s with Ka Ying Rising at Sha Tin – also became the first jockey in the city’s racing history to surpass 2,000 victories.
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Everest challenge awaits
The Everest is the world’s richest turf race, won in 2025 by Ka Ying Rising, and will take place on 17 October at Royal Randwick in Sydney, Australia.
The nine-time Group 1 winner is expected to trial again on 30 August at Sha Tin.
“He was a little bit rusty. He’ll be fine,” Purton added.
“It’s a starting point for him and it’s nice to have him back there doing something a bit more competitive.
“He certainly needed that.”
Hong Kong racing will return for the season-opening fixture at Sha Tin on Sunday 6 September.
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