Ka Ying Rising underlines champion status in 2025 The Everest

Under the weight of immense expectation, Ka Ying Rising confirmed his global superstar status with a dazzling display in the 2025 edition of The Everest at Randwick. The world’s highest-rated racehorse, trained by David Hayes and ridden by Zac Purton, delivered a commanding performance to win the $20 million sprint in front of a roaring Sydney crowd.

After weeks of speculation surrounding his fitness and a rare trial defeat, the Hong Kong hero silenced every critic, cruising behind the leaders before exploding to the front in the straight. He crossed the line 1¼ lengths clear of Tempted ($16), with fellow Ciaron Maher-trained runner Jimmysstar ($13) holding on for third.

“It has been the biggest build up to a race that I have ever been involved in,” Purton said. “He is a special horse. I wanted it for the horse’s legacy more than mine. This is his moment, and I wanted him to be respected for the ability I know he’s got.”

The victory was Purton’s first in The Everest and added another highlight to his glittering international career. “It is probably the pinnacle of my career to a certain degree, especially the stage that I’m at and on this type of horse,” he said.

For trainer David Hayes, the win was one of the greatest moments of his career — a full-circle triumph 35 years after training Better Loosen Up to capture the Japan Cup. “He (Better Loosen Up) was the last world champion-rated horse I trained and this is the next one,” Hayes said. “A lot of good horses in between but these are the two stars.”

Hayes said his faith in Ka Ying Rising never wavered despite the scrutiny. “Every time I went to Canterbury, I knew the horse was right. No matter what was written — trial talk, injury chatter — I knew he was spot on. He’s a genuine superstar, and we’ll be back next year if invited.”

The victory marked Ka Ying Rising’s fourteenth consecutive win, extending his global dominance and delivering Hong Kong one of its most significant racing moments on Australian soil. For race replays, results, and updated markets for The Everest and other major events, visit Australia’s top betting sites.