Hong Kong Horse of the Year Ka Ying Rising has breezed effortlessly through a barrier trial on Sha Tin’s dirt course ahead of a return to racing September 7.

Aiming to win a second straight HKSAR Chief Executive’s Cup Handicap (1200m) at the 2025/26 season’s curtain-raiser next month, Ka Ying Rising couldn’t have been more impressive as he sauntered across the finishing line by 14-1/4 lengths.

“It’s good to have him back out there going through his routine,” jockey Zac Purton said.

“He was on the wrong leg on the corner, it’s a bit frustrating how he does that, but apart from that it was all good.”

On a streak of 12 consecutive victories, Ka Ying Rising dominated across an invincible eight-race 2024/25 campaign, headlined by two course records at Sha Tin over 1200m and four elite level successes.

Ka Ying Rising spent the Hong Kong off-season recharging at Conghua before returning to Sha Tin last week for Friday’s barrier trial as preparations ramp up towards his first race outside of Hong Kong in the $20 million Everest at Randwick on October 18.

Bookmakers have Ka Ying Rising as short as $1.60 to topple the best of Australia’s sprinters.

From The Newsdesk