It was a moment of global triumph at Royal Randwick as Hong Kong sensation and the world’s highest-rated sprinter, Ka Ying Rising, delivered a monumental performance to claim the ninth edition of the $20 million The Everest.

2025 The Everest winner Ka Ying Rising proved too good for the local sprinters. Photo: Bradley Photos.

The Shamexpress gelding confirmed his status as the planet’s fastest speed horse with a powerhouse performance, securing Hong Kong its biggest international racing victory against a stacked local brigade.

Legend Status Confirmed

Having faced mounting scrutiny and drifting odds in the lead-up, the gun five-year-old silenced all critics with a run that matched his formidable reputation, taking his career record to 15 wins from 17 starts and collecting a fifth Group 1 trophy.

The David Hayes hero flew home to deny the Ciaron Maher-trained filly Tempted victory, with her stablemate Jimmysstar holding strong for The Everest trifecta in third.

An emotional Hayes celebrated the victory, drawing comparisons to a former champion.

“It’s certainly the biggest thrill in my life,” Hayes told Sky Thoroughbred Central after the win.

“It’s been the longest ten days in my life, I think.

“He (Better Loosen Up) was the last world champion rated horse I’ve trained, and this is the next one.

“A lot of good horses in between but these are the two stars.”

Purton’s Perfect Ride

Ka Ying Rising’s top-shelf performance in Sydney was aided by a masterful ride from Zac Purton.

The heavily backed $2 favourite was allowed to settle perfectly in third just off the speed as expected leaders Mazu and Overpass set a blistering pace up front.

Overpass challenged on the home straight, but the Hong Kong champion quickly moved up when asked to charge clear, cementing his status in the world’s richest turf race.

Hayes praised his jockey’s handling.

“It was a long way down that straight but when he got over the rise and he hadn’t used him I thought they were going to have to be pretty good to beat him,” he said.

“I can’t wait to really watch the replay and enjoy it. It’s a long straight (at) Randwick isn’t it when you hit the front with 300m to go but I think he held on pretty well.

“Great ride by Zac (Purton) and I actually would’ve been shattered if he lost today. “I think there’s more to come with this horse.”

Purton himself noted the smooth journey and the pivotal battle for the lead.

“He had a beautiful run in the race,” he said.

“Ethan (Brown on Jimmysstar) was trying to sneak up on my outside, but we just had to make sure we had the room which was pretty easy because we had the room which was pretty easy because of the pace of the race.

“Overpass skipped for him early and I had to chase him. To my horse’s credit, he wasn’t letting him go. He got the better of me in the trial, and we said that he’s not going to get the better of me in the race.

“We chased him down and coasted to the line.”

Local Hopes Shine

Maher’s lightly weighted Street Boss filly, Tempted ($16), was airborne with only 48kg on her back to finish as the best of the local hopes, beaten by just 1.15 lengths on the back of her Group 1 Golden Rose third.

Tempted’s jockey Craig Williams had nothing but praise for the runner-up.

“The winner is a superstar,” he said.

“My horse is a future mega-superstar. She was great.

“Credit to Ciaron Maher, the ownership group to come to a race like this.

“Definitely didn’t disappoint and will benefit from this run again.”

Jimmysstar ($13) was ridden in a more prominent position just off the speed alongside the eventual winner and fought strongly to secure the minor placing.

“Unreal,” said Ethan Brown.

“He ran out of his skin. A kinder gate would have done us a lot favours.

“Good to see him closer. He gave his all. So proud of him.”

The victory powerfully reinforces Hong Kong’s emergence as a dominant sprinting jurisdiction, with slot holders the Hong Kong Jockey Club set to welcome their champion home with immense fanfare.

“He will get a sensational reception. He’s a real champion – a global champion,” said Winfried Englebrecht-Bresges.

2025 The Everest Results

WHAT’S GAMBLING REALLY COSTING YOU?

For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au.

This page and the written content within it were partially generated using AI or automated technology and edited and verified by our editorial team.