In the world of horse racing, there's a name that's become synonymous with dominance and sheer speed - Ka Ying Rising. This superstar sprinter from Hong Kong has captured the imagination of racing enthusiasts worldwide, and today, we delve into the plans of his trainer, David Hayes, as he prepares for another season of glory.
The Unstoppable Streak
Ka Ying Rising's 20-race winning streak is nothing short of extraordinary. With eight flawless starts last season, he broke track records with ease, cementing his position as the world's top-ranked racehorse alongside Ombudsman from England. But what makes this horse so fascinating is his continued development and growth.
A Stronger, Faster Horse
Upon Hayes' return from a European vacation, he was taken aback by Ka Ying Rising's physical transformation. Weighing in at 1189 pounds after a break, the horse has bulked up significantly from his previous season's weight of 1160 pounds. Hayes believes this added strength will translate into even faster times on the track. "Dare I say, normally when sprinters get bigger, they get better," he observes. And with each weight gain, Ka Ying Rising has proven this theory, smashing track records in his last four starts.
A Meticulous Preparation
Hayes is determined to replicate the successful blueprint that led to Ka Ying Rising's famous Everest win at Royal Randwick. He plans to give the horse two barrier trial runs and a comeback race at Sha Tin before heading to Sydney. However, Hayes admits that the Everest win was not Ka Ying Rising's most impressive performance, and he intends to tweak the training regimen this season.
The trainer recalls the rumors that swirled after Ka Ying Rising's lackluster performance in a Randwick barrier trial. "It was probably his least impressive performance for the season," Hayes says. "But that brought him on, and with a gallop after it, he was ready to go for the Everest. This year, I might have him a little bit more wound up for the trial."
Global Interest and Future Plans
Ka Ying Rising's success has caught the attention of racing jurisdictions worldwide, with Royal Ascot expressing interest in having the champion sprinter at their feature carnivals. However, Hayes is cautious about changing too much, hoping to extend Ka Ying Rising's racing career for at least another two to three years. After the Hong Kong International meeting, the horse will aim for the Hong Kong sprint triple crown again, a title he's held for the last three seasons.
"When you've got one this good, they deserve a rest," Hayes explains. "Every year he races is precious. If we can keep him going for another couple of seasons, I'd hate to think what he could earn for the connections and how many Group 1 races he can add to his tally."
A Thoughtful Conclusion
Ka Ying Rising's story is a testament to the careful balance between pushing a champion to new heights and respecting their physical limits. As Hayes navigates the delicate art of training, we can't help but wonder what the future holds for this remarkable horse. With his continued development and a trainer who prioritizes his well-being, Ka Ying Rising's legacy is sure to grow even more impressive.
