Ka Ying Rising’s amazing victory in The Everest started to sink in for trainer David Hayes and jockey Zac Purton late Sunday as they sat back, “drinking some really nice reds, and puffing on cigars”.
The world’s best sprinter flew out of Sydney late Monday, but not before winning over the Australian locals – and further enhancing his reputation with racegoers around the world – after his powerhouse win in Saturday’s $20m feature at Randwick.
Everest winner Ka Ying Rising departs Sydney on Monday night.Credit: Wolter Peeters
If Hayes had his way, Ka Ying Rising would have hung around for a shot at the Russell Balding Stakes at Randwick on Saturday week. He insists the 1300m trip is Ka Ying Rising’s ideal distance, and there was a $1m prizemoney bonus for potentially completing the double.
The 1200m sprint on the final day of the Melbourne Cup carnival at Flemington also had appeal.
For now, Hayes was happy to soak up the Everest triumph, which his horse will defend in 12 months, provided he remains fit.
“Zac and I went from saddling up the best horse in the world to a class-five race at Sha Tin [in Hong Kong] on Sunday, and we were giggling about how things can change so quickly in 12 hours,” Hayes, who left Sydney on Saturday night, said on Monday.
“But he had two winners, I trained a winner, and afterwards, with a couple of very close friends, we had a couple of really nice reds, puffed on a cigar, and reminisced on what a special occasion we had been through [a day earlier].
“What was very special was every one of the 30,000 people at Sha Tin I walked past stopped to say ‘well done’ or took a selfie. It was full on. That’s probably when it started to sink in.”
Ka Ying Rising departed just after 6pm on a truck bound for the airport with stable-hand, Hao Chan Kwong, and the horse’s travelling companion, Ka Ying Cheer, who will head to Melbourne and be trained by Hayes’ sons, Will, Ben and JD.
Purton said he was still responding to over 1000 messages on his phone, and the hit-and-run trip to Sydney would only improve the horse, especially now he had stepped out of his comfort zone and performed accordingly.
Zac Purton rides Ka Ying Rising to victory in The Everest at Randwick on Saturday.Credit: Getty Images
Ka Ying Rising has won 15 of his 17 career starts, including his past 14 races, and even at five years of age, can somehow get quicker, according to Hayes.
“If they’ve been looked after when they’re young, and they’re healthy and sound, their peak years are probably six and seven,” he said.
“Look sat Mr Brightside, Fields Of Omagh, Super Impose, even Niconero, they were all racing well at eight and nine years old.
“If he stays sound, I think we’re in for a wonderful ride. He’s a rare beast that needs looking after.”
Because the Hong Kong Jockey Club had paid for The Everest slot with Ka Ying Rising, Hayes said it was only fair he respects their wishes and brings him home to prepare for their international meeting before Christmas.
A brilliant 50,167 punters, at an average age of just 26, and Ka Ying Rising’s big-race performance helped create an absolutely electric atmosphere at Sydney’s racing headquarters.
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