Ka Ying Rising ready to roll after injury scare

David Hayes has declared Ka Ying Rising “totally clear” after the champion sprinter overcame a minor injury scare ahead of Sunday’s HK$4.2 million G3 HKSAR Chief Executive’s Cup Handicap (1200m) at Sha Tin.

Ka Ying Rising’s left hind foot was bruised earlier this week, briefly threatening his preparation for the Group 3 feature, which is being used as a lead-up to his defence of The Everest at Royal Randwick on 17 October.

“I think he kicked his concrete feed bin, and bruised his hind foot,” Hayes said. “He was definitely sore on Monday. But Tuesday, Wednesday and today he’s been perfect. He’s had Doppler scans, CT scans and an X-ray, so he’s totally clear.”

Hayes said he had been concerned before Thursday’s gallop but was satisfied with the horse’s work, with Ka Ying Rising set to start a dominant favourite despite conceding the maximum 20 pounds to his five rivals.

“If he wasn’t right, I wasn’t going to run him,” Hayes said. “I was shattered on Monday morning, but I’m very happy today. This horse, I can assure punters, will be fine at the weekend.”