He came, he saw, and he conquered.
Ka Ying Rising — the Hong Kong superstar and world’s top-rated racehorse — delivered a performance for the ages to win the 2025 edition of The Everest at Randwick on Saturday, confirming his status as the planet’s premier sprinter.
After a turbulent build-up marked by trial defeat and speculation about his fitness, the David Hayes-trained gelding silenced critics in emphatic fashion, surging clear in front of more than 50,000 fans to claim the $20 million feature in breathtaking style.
Ridden by champion jockey Zac Purton, Ka Ying Rising ($2) stalked the early pace before powering away down the straight to win by 1¼ lengths over the Ciaron Maher-trained filly Tempted ($16), with stablemate Jimmysstar ($13) finishing strongly for third.
“It has been the biggest build up to a race that I have ever been involved in,” Purton said. “He is a special horse. I wanted it for the horse’s legacy more than mine. I’ve got my career and these things help to that, but this is his moment and his time and I wanted him to be respected for the ability I know he’s got.”
Purton, Hong Kong’s all-time winningest jockey and an eight-time champion rider, said the triumph stood among his greatest achievements. “It is probably the pinnacle of my career to a certain degree, especially the stage that I’m at and on this type of horse. I appreciate the moment,” he said.
For Hayes, who returned to Australia after a long and decorated career abroad, the result marked one of the most significant training successes of his storied career — a culmination of years of work and belief in his champion galloper.
“I would have been shattered if he lost today, truth be known,” Hayes admitted. “When he was calm an hour before the race — no sweat between his legs, absolutely perfect — I felt quietly confident. This is the biggest thrill of my life and it’s been the longest ten days of my life.”
The win also brought Hayes’ career full circle, coming 35 years after he trained Better Loosen Up to win the Japan Cup in 1990. “He (Better Loosen Up) was the last world champion-rated horse I trained, and this is the next one. A lot of good horses in between, but these are the two stars,” he said.
Saturday’s success marked Ka Ying Rising’s fourteenth consecutive win — a streak that has captured global attention — and Hayes said his confidence in the horse never wavered despite the criticism leading up to the race. “Every time I went to Canterbury, I knew the horse was right,” Hayes said. “No matter what was written and said — ‘bodgy’ trial, injury rumours, soreness — I knew he was ready and I couldn’t wait for today. He’s a genuine superstar and we’ll be back next year if invited.”
For full race results, video replays, and the latest The Everest betting markets, visit Australia’s top betting sites for exclusive offers and updated odds on spring’s biggest races.
