'He's the world's best sprinter': Everest favourite Ka Ying Rising takes winner's crown
Updated . First published at
Iconic Hong Kong based gelding Ka Ying Rising has won The Everest, ending Australian horses' eight-year streak at the richest turf race in the world.
The gelding was dominant out from barrier seven at Royal Randwick and took the win in the $20 million race over a length ahead.
"Champion's do, what others can't, he's the world's best sprinter, no doubt," caller Darren Flindell said on Seven.
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Despite not leading from the gate, jockey Zac Purton was able to settle the five-year-old and ride him to his 14th race victory in a row.
The Everest is the richest prizemoney event in Australia and the richest race in the world run on turf.
"He [Ka Ying Rising] got a little bit edgy in the gate because he was in there for probably longer than what he's used to," said jockey Purton post-race.
Zac Purton riding with Ka Ying Rising. Getty
"But to his credit...he just had a beautiful run in the race. As you said, Ethan (Brown) was trying to sneak up my outside and I just had to make sure I had the room which is pretty easy because of the pace of the race."
The gelding, trained by Australian David Hayes in Hong Kong, came into the race as the hot favourite, and was sent off at $1.90.
"It was a long way down that straight, but when got clear I thought they were going to have to be pretty good to beat him," said Hayes.
"I would have been so disappointed if he didn't win when he saddled up calm."
Behind Ka Ying Rising in the field was Temped in second and Jimmysstar third.
More than 50,000 fans flocked to Royal Randwick to watch the Hong Kong star in The Everest, the Australian race progressing to Group 1 status last year after its debut in 2017.