David Hayes savours Ka Ying Rising’s victory at Randwick

For Hall of Fame trainer Hayes in Australia, the dominant win was the culmination of an epic journey and he said victory in the richest race on turf was the greatest thrill of his illustrious career.

“It was an absolute thrill and I can’t wait to watch and enjoy the replay. It’s a long straight Randwick when you get ahead with 300 to go, isn’t it – but I thought he held up pretty well and had a great ride alongside Zac,” Hayes said.

“I would actually have been shattered if he had lost today, to tell you the truth he was calm an hour before the race and I think there’s more to come with this horse. It’s definitely been the biggest thrill of my life and the longest 10 days of my life I think.”

Ka Ying Rising was known to be sweaty and restless before the race, but Hayes was confident after a good walk in front of a crowded Horse Theatre. The victory was a vindication of Hayes, who insisted on a dress rehearsal for Ka Ying Rising at Randwick and brought it to a hearing on 7 October. On that occasion he was undecided pre-race before finishing third behind Linebacker and Overpass, raising questions about his condition and ability to produce on an unfamiliar stage.

But Saturday’s race proved the value of running, with the five-year-old handling the crowd of 50,167 with aplomb.

“This was definitely the biggest thrill of my life and I think it was the longest 10 days of my life.”

david hayes

“What happened was he blew up all the mothballs and a lot of people were very critical of the trial, but he still beat five winners in group 1 and finished third without really being tested,” Hayes said.

“But he was on top and completely settled in. There was a lot involved but what he did, he just let the horse calm down and calm down today… and I wish I was that relaxed.”

Hayes asked, “What price did it start at?” he asked.

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When told that Ka Ying Rising was $1.50 in the World Pool and close to par elsewhere, he replied, “Money buying, money buying. Ah, those stupid fuckers.”

Purton, who was inducted into the Australian Racing Hall of Fame this year, said he was enjoying the moment.

“This was the biggest contribution to a race I have ever entered and he is a special horse,” Purton said. “I wanted it for the horse’s legacy more than mine. I have a career and these things obviously help make that happen, but this is his moment and I wanted him to be respected for the talent I know he has.”

“It’s probably the pinnacle of my career, especially at the stage I’m in, on this type of horse, so I appreciate this moment. How nice is it to have two Hall of Famers enjoying the moment together.”

Would he return next year?

“[Hayes] Purton replied: “If he says we’ll come back, we’ll go back.”