Hong Kong superstar Ka Ying Rising gave an emphatic reminder why he’s the horse to beat in this year’s $20 million The TAB Everest with a dominant winning return at Sha Tin on Sunday.
The world’s best sprinter kicked off his Everest quest in perfect fashion when scoring his 13th consecutive victory in style in the HKSAR Chief Executive’s Cup (1200m).
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Champion Australian jockey Zac Purton got Ka Ying Rising in a prominent position early outside the lead and never looked in any danger from that point on.
The David Hayes-trained Ka Ying Rising, sent out as a $1.05 favourite, went into another gear when they turned for home and quickly put a space on rivals.
He was eased down late but still prevailed by a comfortable 2-1/4 lengths from Lucky Sweynesse ($29) while Divano ($113.75) was third.
Ka Ying Rising firmed from $1.80 into $1.70 favourite with TAB for The Everest at Royal Randwick on October 18.
The Chief Executive’s Cup, which Ka Ying Rising won last year, will be his only race start in the lead-up to The Everest.
THE FREAK IS BACK! 😳
Everest-bound Ka Ying Rising toys with his opposition, becoming the first horse to win the HKSAR Chief Executive’s Cup twice with @zpurton for David Hayes… 🏆🏆#SeasonOpener | #LoveRacing | #HKracingpic.twitter.com/72fu9dNEE0
— HKJC Racing (@HKJC_Racing) September 7, 2025
• Headwall, Lady Shenandoah show they deserve slots in The Everest
He is due to arrive in Australia on September 22 and will be prepared for The Everest at Canterbury Park Quarantine Centre.
The son of Shamexpress will have a 1000m trial on the course proper at Royal Randwick on October 7, 11 days out from the Everest.
Purton will travel to Australia to pilot the superstar sprinter in the hit-out.
Hayes will be attempting to get his own piece of The Everest redemption after his former sprinter Vega Magic finished runner-up to Redzel in the inaugural running of the race in 2017.
Past international contenders have failed to fire in The Everest with US Navy Flag finishing ninth for Aidan O’Brien in 2018 while stablemate Ten Sovereigns failed to beat a runner home the following year.
Neither European galloper was blessed with the same ability as Ka Ying Rising.
Ka Ying Rising will see you soon, Australia! 🇦🇺#SeasonOpener | #HKracingpic.twitter.com/D6OkfBZ5GH
— HKJC Racing (@HKJC_Racing) September 7, 2025
The Australian Turf Club finalised a deal with the Hong Kong Jockey Club to lease its Everest slot for a two-year period, paving the way for Ka Ying Rising to be locked in back in June.
Ka Ying Rising was the second Everest slot holder to kick off his campaign this weekend with Jimmysstar, set to run for the TAB, finishing fifth in the Group 3 $1 million Concorde Stakes (1000m) at Royal Randwick on Saturday.
Briasa will have his second trial over 1000m on his home track of Rosehill Gardens on Tuesday morning while unbeaten four-year-old Private Harry is expected to make his return in the Group 2 $1 million The Shorts (1100m) on September 20.