David Hayes has dismissed social media speculation about Ka Ying Rising’s fitness, confirming the Hong Kong superstar is fit, healthy, and a definite starter in Saturday’s $20 million The Everest (1200m) at Randwick.
Rumours circulated on Sunday that the horse was lame and unlikely to run, but Hayes moved quickly to put the chatter to rest after a strong solo gallop at Canterbury on Monday morning.
“I got a call yesterday at lunchtime from JD, my son, and Gareth Hall had rung him to say his Twitter account was hacked and sent out false information — basically had him scratched, lame behind and not eating,” Hayes said. “That’s not the horse I’ve been training anyway. The phone went into meltdown for about six hours, but to use a Donald Trump-ism, it was fake news.”
Ka Ying Rising worked impressively, running his final 600 metres under a hold and clocking 12 seconds for the last furlong. “We’re really happy with him,” Hayes said. “He ran home in 38 (seconds) and his recovery was excellent. The trial last week brought him on, and I think he’s ready to rumble.”
Monday’s gallop was his final serious hit-out before The Everest, with the gelding set for light work through the week. “He’ll have an easy morning Tuesday, some cantering Wednesday and a quiet stride Thursday,” Hayes said.
The final field for The Everest was also confirmed, with Yulong announcing Mazu will run in its slot after Private Harry’s withdrawal. “It’s disappointing to lose Private Harry, but to secure a proven sprinter like Mazu is a great bonus,” Yulong COO Sam Fairgray said. “We’re fortunate to have three genuine contenders this year — Mazu, Angel Capital, and Magic Time.”
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