Ka Ying Rising departed just after 6pm on a truck bound for the airport with stable-hand, Hao Chan Kwong, and the horse’s travelling companion, Ka Ying Cheer, who will head to Melbourne and be trained by Hayes’ sons, Will, Ben and JD.
Purton said he was still responding to over 1000 messages on his phone, and the hit-and-run trip to Sydney would only improve the horse, especially now he had stepped out of his comfort zone and performed accordingly.
Zac Purton rides Ka Ying Rising to victory in The Everest at Randwick on Saturday.Credit: Getty Images
Ka Ying Rising has won 15 of his 17 career starts, including his past 14 races, and even at five years of age, can somehow get quicker, according to Hayes.
“If they’ve been looked after when they’re young, and they’re healthy and sound, their peak years are probably six and seven,” he said.
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“Look sat Mr Brightside, Fields Of Omagh, Super Impose, even Niconero, they were all racing well at eight and nine years old.
“If he stays sound, I think we’re in for a wonderful ride. He’s a rare beast that needs looking after.”
Because the Hong Kong Jockey Club had paid for The Everest slot with Ka Ying Rising, Hayes said it was only fair he respects their wishes and brings him home to prepare for their international meeting before Christmas.
A brilliant 50,167 punters, at an average age of just 26, and Ka Ying Rising’s big-race performance helped create an absolutely electric atmosphere at Sydney’s racing headquarters.
