Ka Ying Rising ready to shake up Australia

Posted on October 17, 2025October 17, 2025 | Posted by TABtouch

When the gates crash back at Randwick for The Everest, all eyes will be on Ka Ying Rising – Hong Kong’s reigning Horse of the Year and the world’s highest-rated turf sprinter. With a staggering 14 wins from 16 starts, including four Group 1 victories, Ka Ying Rising arrives in Sydney carrying the weight of expectation and a global rating that puts him in the same conversation as legends like Black Caviar and Winx.

But history tells us this: international horses making their debut in top-tier Aussie races face a formidable challenge. Looking at the results since 2020, the results are mixed.

Melbourne Cup: Every favourite from overseas was first-up in Australia, none won. Tiger Moth (IRE) and Incentivise came closest, finishing second, while Vauban (FR) and Buckaroo (GB) faded out of contention.

Caulfield Cup & Cox Plate: Across both races, three internationals have won on debut since 2020, proving that while tough, world-class talent can overcome the Australian learning curve. In last year’s Cox Plate, Prognosis (JPN) dominated markets, touted as borderline unbeatable. But he was outclassed by local legend Via Sistina, who won by eight lengths and shattered Winx’s track record for 2040m.

Golden Eagle: Obamburumai (JPN) claimed the Golden Eagle in 2023. Last year, heavily backed favourite Ascoli Piceno (JPN) faded to 12^th after a wide run. However, an international on debut did win that race; $19 chance Lake Forest (GB).

Of the races analysed, one thing is clear: sprinters fare better than stayers. The Everest could be the race where the trend bends. But Australian racing is unique: tighter turns, firmer tracks, and relentless early speed. Horses accustomed to Sha Tin or Longchamp often need a run to adapt. Even Ka Ying Rising’s trainer, David Hayes, admitted his star was “having a look around” during his Randwick trial; rating it a 7/10 compared to his usual dominance.

That said, the speed machine has a Sha Tin track record of 1:07.20 for 1200m, faster than the Randwick Everest benchmark of 1:07.32 set by Yes Yes Yes in 2019. His tactical versatility gives Zac Purton options from barrier 7, and Hayes is bullish.

Still, rivals like War Machine, Joliestar, and Briasa won’t roll over. The locals will make sure this is the toughest contest he’s faced. Horses with a local lead-up run seem to outperform those straight off the plane. Ka Ying Rising? Straight from Sha Tin to Randwick.

Ka Ying Rising brings global star power and a profile that screams dominance. But Australian racing has humbled many champions before him. One thing is for certain though – it’s a race you can’t afford to miss.

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