David Hayes has endured a hectic few weeks leading up to The Everest, but the Hall of Fame trainer finally had a stress-free moment on Tuesday night when his star sprinter Ka Ying Rising drew barrier seven for the $20 million feature at Randwick on Saturday.
The five-year-old Hong Kong champion secured a midfield draw in the 12-horse field, positioned between key early speed runners Mazu (barrier two) and Overpass (barrier nine) — a result Hayes was clearly pleased with.
“I’m happy,” Hayes said moments after the draw, which was revealed through a spectacular drone light show over Sydney Harbour. “I just thought anywhere not the complete outside, of course, (was preferable) because it’s always more difficult out there. I think Zac (Purton, jockey) can choose whether he goes right forward or follows what could be the frantic pace. Zac will jump fast for sure and if the pace is hectic, he’ll back out of it – some of his best wins have been sitting off the pace, his most impressive wins probably win have been sitting off – but if they miss the start and don’t go fast, he’ll lead. He’s that sort of horse and Zac’s that sort of jockey.”
Following the draw, bookmakers shortened Ka Ying Rising’s quote to $1.60 after hovering around $1.70 to $1.75 earlier in the week. It capped a positive turnaround after the horse was at the centre of false social media reports on Sunday claiming he was lame and in doubt for the race.
Hayes was quick to dismiss those rumours, confirming the gelding had come through his recent trial perfectly and was in ideal condition. “He was quite above himself in the trial, but that trial has brought him back to a nice, calm level and his weight’s dropped beautifully and I think we’ve got him where we want him.”
Ka Ying Rising will jump from between Lady Shenandoah (six) and Jedibeel (eight), with other notable runners Tempted (one), Angel Capital (three), War Machine (four) and Joliestar (five) all drawn inside him.
Outside of the favourite, T J Smith Stakes winner Briasa will start from barrier 10, with Group 1 star Jimmysstar (11) and Magic Time (12) completing the line-up.
2025 THE EVEREST BARRIER DRAW
Ka Ying Rising’s final preparation for The Everest appears complete, and with a perfect draw secured, Hayes will now hope the Hong Kong superstar can justify his short quote on Saturday. For updated odds and offers, visit Australia’s top betting sites.