The Everest 2025 for Ka Ying Rising but Champions Sprint unlikely

Trainer David Hayes has expressed frustration over Racing Victoria’s scanning regulations, which could derail plans to bring Ka Ying Rising to the Melbourne Cup Carnival later this year.

Following a potential tilt at the Group 1 The Everest, Hayes had hoped to target the Champions Sprint at Flemington. But a mandatory second CT scan—even after completing Sydney quarantine and racing—has cast doubt over the trip.

“It is madness,” Hayes said. “We’re happy to scan him before leaving Hong Kong—tick. But having to do it again after he's run in The Everest and come through fine? That’s a hard pill to swallow.”

“You don’t have to scan a horse to know it’s sound,” he added. “If he’s a last-start winner and his rivals don’t have the same requirements, that’s not a level playing field.”

Racing Victoria confirmed the rules remain firm, and the exemption that once allowed Sydney-based imports to bypass a second scan was removed in 2024.

Hayes is preparing Ka Ying Rising for Sunday’s Group 1 Chairman’s Sprint Prize at Sha Tin and believes the gelding is in the form of his life.

“He’s four or five lengths better than when he won the Hong Kong Sprint in December,” Hayes said.

Ka Ying Rising is expected to again face off against Satono Reve and Helios Express—his rivals in that December trifecta finish.

“He’s only four. Next year could be the making of him. The whole team feels like he’s just coming into his prime,” Hayes added.