It was business as usual at Sha Tin Racecourse the morning of Aug. 21, as Ka Ying Rising dominated his return barrier trial ahead of the 2026-27 season, when he'll reappear in the newly upgraded Chief Executive's Cup Handicap (G3) at 1,200 meters (about 6 furlongs).
Slated for a first-up run in the season opening feature Sept. 6, which he won in 2024 and 2025 as a class 1 contest, Ka Ying Rising lengthened sharply under Zac Purton by 9 3/4 lengths in front of Thunder Prince in 1:01.16 over 1,050 meters (about 5 furlongs) on the rain-affected dirt, as he led the field of seven from start to finish.
"He put on a bit of weight in the break. He got up over 1,190 pounds, so he's certainly enjoying his life. He'll only get one run on opening day here, and then he goes to The Everest," Purton said.
"He was a little bit rusty. He'll be fine. It's a starting point for him and it's nice to have him back there doing something a bit more competitive. He certainly needed that."
Meanwhile, trainer David Hayes confirmed that The Everest (G1) at 1, 200 meters was the only race that appealed when discussing travel for Ka Ying Rising, a race in which he bids to go back to back.
"Even at that first meeting I thought it was a bit of a gimmick race but, gee, the momentum it has gained in the last four years is quite amazing,'' Hayes told Racing NSW.
