David Hayes couldn’t be happier with a bigger and stronger Ka Ying Rising as the champion sprinter builds up his preparation for the Group One The Everest (1,200m) in Australia in October.
Hayes travelled to Conghua on Wednesday to oversee his stable star’s first gallop since completing his second straight unbeaten season with victory in the Group One Chairman’s Sprint Prize (1,200m) at Sha Tin in April.
“I went up to Conghua on Wednesday and worked him and he’s in great shape. He’s bigger than he’s ever been – 1,170lb which is a positive. He’s getting stronger,” Hayes said.
“He was averaging between 1,150 and 1,160 last year. It’s hard to say he’ll be better, but he’s definitely stronger and I’m sure he hasn’t gone backwards, which means we’re hoping he can have another unbeaten year.
“He’s had two undefeated seasons in a row, so to do three would be an incredible feat, wouldn’t it?”
