Ka Ying maybe? Changes to RV vet protocols opens door to Champions Sprint possibility

The door is ajar for Hong Kong superstar Ka Ying Rising to race in Melbourne after his spring Everest assault following changes to Racing Victoria’s veterinary protocols.

Trainer David Hayes has previously said that Ka Ying Rising, the world’s highest-rated sprinter, would skip the Group 1 Champions Sprint at Flemington because of the veterinary protocols that would be imposed on the son of Shamexpress.

But on Monday, in confirming changes to its veterinary protocols for international runners, Racing Victoria said only horses entered for the Caulfield Cup, Cox Plate or Melbourne Cup would be required to undergo computed tomography (CT) scans before each start.

Unlike previous years, horses not entered for the three signature Group 1 races will only be subjected to one mandatory pre-travel CT scan, meaning Ka Ying Rising would not be required to undergo the additional veterinary examination if he was to race in Melbourne later this year.

“The protocols have served to arrest an alarming trend and been a catalyst for the last four spring racing carnivals and Melbourne Cups being conducted without serious injuries,” RV chief executive Aaron Morrison said.

“After each carnival the protocols are evaluated to consider their application, ongoing suitability and any potential enhancements based on stakeholder feedback, our learnings, data and new technology.

“What remains unchanged is that every international horse will have to pass a CT scan to compete here, however we’re taking a more pragmatic approach with the volume of scans for those horses not entered in the Cups or Cox Plate. 

“Importantly, all other veterinary oversight of the international horses remains in place to monitor them during the spring racing carnival.”

Ka Ying Rising, a winner of 13 of his 15 appearances, is set to have his first start in Australia in the spring after the Hong Kong Jockey Club secured a two-year lease of the Australian Turf Club’s Everest slot.

Hayes said in May that the Russell Balding at Rosehill would be Ka Ying Rising’s likely target after The Everest as opposed to the Champions Sprint on the final day of the Flemington carnival.

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“I’m not asking for any favours, but I think they should review the rule. I think it’s overkill.” Hayes told the South China Morning Post last month when asked about RV’s veterinary protocols.

“The horse has to go to hospital to have the tests, which normally healthy horses aren’t in hospital, he has to travel which is another risk, have a day away from his routine feed and be tranquillised to have it done, so it’s quite an ordeal.”

In further changes announced by RV, positron emission tomography (PET) scans will also be used where appropriate to help validate CT scan results for international horses as well as Australian-domiciled horses competing in this year’s Melbourne Cup.

RV also said that it would enhance its communication processes with stakeholders by providing additional feedback and speaking to managing owners of the horses directly.

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It will also develop an online resource centre, which includes videos, to further educate and inform interested parties about RV’s stringent veterinary protocols.

“Our goal remains to deliver world-class racing, whilst ensuring the safety of horses and riders,” Morrison said.

“We look forward to working with international and local connections to maintain the recent positive trend.”

Ka Ying Rising is the $1.90 favourite for The Everest in pre-nominations markets.