Ka Ying Rising Returns in Chief Executive's Cup

There is some top-class action across multiple tracks in both Australia and New Zealand this weekend, but without doubt many eyes will be on Ka Ying Rising (NZ) Sept. 6 when David Hayes' world-leading sprinter returns in the Chief Executive's Cup Handicap (G3) at Sha Tin Racecourse. Now the winner of his last 20 starts, the 6-year-old gelding made a winning return in the Chief Executive's Cup last year when it was run as a non-stakes race, scoring easily by 2 1/4 lengths despite giving upwards of 9 pounds to his 11 rivals. With the race now being run as a group 3 in 2026, the world's top-rated sprinter had bruising on his left hind foot that momentarily threw his preparation into doubt. However, Hayes revealed all has been resolved on that front. "I think he kicked his concrete feed bin, and bruised his hind foot," Hayes said Sept. 3. "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. "If he wasn't right, I wasn't going to run him. I was shattered on Monday morning, but I'm very happy today. This horse, I can assure punters, will be fine at the weekend." Having taken out four group 1s during an eight-start unbeaten campaign in 2024-25, the fact that Ka Ying Rising returned in even better form and condition during 2025-26 was remarkable. The son of Windsor Park Stud's Shamexpress (NZ) racked up five top-level sprints during his most recent campaign, including Randwick's The Everest (G1) in which he defeated the then 3-year-old filly Tempted (AUS) by 1 1/4 lengths eased down. That AU$20 million showpiece is the main aim again for Hayes this season, and the worrying thing for Australians is that the trainer feels last year's Everest success was visually his worst of the season. "Visually, (The Everest) was his worst performance of the season, but he still won by a length and a half, and didn't have the whip on him," a bullish Hayes said. "I think this year, hopefully, Australians can see him at his best, and we're doing everything we possibly can to have him at his best." Ka Ying Rising completed an easy 400-meter (about 2-furlong) gallop in :25.4 on the Sha Tin dirt Thursday morning, and Hayes revealed he would have his gelding spot on for not only The Everest, but his pre-Everest trial this time around. "He was really good. The riding boy certainly thought he was at the top of his game, so that's always nice to hear," Hayes said. One man that will be with the champion sprinter every step of the way is Zac Purton, who is of the opinion that Ka Ying Rising has returned even better once again. "He's a bigger, heavier, stronger horse now than what he was back then," Purton said. "He does look like a much stronger horse, definitely than what he was 12 months ago, but even from what he was at the end of last season. He could go well for another good season, hopefully."