Hong Kong's reigning Horse of the Year Ka Ying Rising (Shamexpress) was in fine fettle during a Friday morning barrier trial at Sha Tin (video).
The gelding is set to appear on opening day of the new Hong Kong 2026/27 season in the newly upgraded HK$4.2 million (£400,000) G3 HKSAR Chief Executive's Cup Handicap over 1200 metres. He will then travel Down Under to defend his G1 The Everest crown on October 17.
Ka Ying Rising has already won the now-Group 3 contest twice, in 2024 and 2025, when it was a Class 1 affair. During Friday's trial, Ka Ying Rising romped by 9 3/4 lengths in 1:01.16 over 1050 metres on the rain-affected dirt. Thunder Prince (I Am Invincible) was second.
Said Purton, “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 the opening day here, and then he goes to The Everest.”
The David Hayes trainee has won his past 20 races, a Hong Kong record, and shares his second Horse of the Year title with Romantic Warrior (Acclamation).
“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,” Purton said.
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