David Hayes has put Ka Ying Rising’s shock Everest defeat down to a wide run from barrier 11, rather than the Randwick surface, after the Hong Kong champion’s 21-race winning streak came to an end.
Ka Ying Rising started a dominant $1.35 favourite but was forced to race much further back than expected and covered significant ground without cover before charging late to finish a half-neck behind Tempted.
Hayes said the race simply did not unfold as anticipated.
“We didn’t expect him to be there, but it was the barrier,” Hayes said.
“Sometimes eleven can be a bonus, but he got caught wide. He settled a bit further back than we thought he would, and if we have to take a positive out of it, he was in front one stride after the post.”
Despite the defeat, Hayes was pleased with the way Ka Ying Rising fought to the line after a difficult passage.
“So very brave,” he said.
“The first and third horse cut the corner and really had dream runs, and we had a horror run being six-wide, no cover.
“But he was brave, and I love the way he finished, but I hate the result.”