Ka Ying Rising Named Timeform Horse of Year After Everest, Champion Sprinter

Ka Ying Rising’s coronation as Timeform Horse of the Year for 2025 capped a campaign that rewrote the ledger for international sprinters. The New Zealand-bred star, trained by David Hayes and campaigned primarily in Hong Kong with targeted international trips, collected multiple Group 1 victories including a defence of the LONGINES Hong Kong Sprint and a signature triumph in The Everest at Randwick. Timeform also named the gelding its Champion Sprinter, citing a peak rating reported at 135 for a standout Chief Executive’s Cup performance.

The recognition carries weight beyond trophies. A Timeform rating of 135 places Ka Ying Rising among the elite sprinters of the modern era, validating connections’ campaign planning and underlining the horse’s combination of raw speed and race-to-race consistency. Hayes praised the horse’s speed and consistency, and the award confirmed the training team’s ability to keep a high-performance athlete at its peak across different tracks and conditions.

On the track, Ka Ying Rising demonstrated an ability to handle the tactical demands of top-level sprinting. The Everest victory at Randwick delivered against a deep, high-stakes field and showcased the horse’s turn of foot under pressure. The successful defence of the LONGINES Hong Kong Sprint reinforced Ka Ying Rising’s status at Sha Tin and on the global sprinting map. Those results drove substantial earnings reported in HK$, and helped sustain fan interest and bookmaker activity on both sides of the globe.

Industry implications are clear. The combination of Hong Kong-based campaigning and headline-grabbing international wins highlights the value of flexible, internationally minded programs for elite sprinters. Promoters and owners now see measurable returns from sending top horses to marquee events like The Everest, not only in prize money but in global profile and commercial opportunities. Timeform’s dual awards will increase Ka Ying Rising’s marketability and raise the profile of his connections, while adding further luster to Hong Kong’s sprint division.

Culturally, the horse became a focal point for Hong Kong racing pride and an ambassador for cross-border racing ties with Australia. The campaign energized domestic supporters and international audiences alike, demonstrating how a locally campaigned champion can command attention on the world stage.

Looking ahead, connections confirmed Ka Ying Rising would be aimed at the HK Centenary Sprint Cup on Jan. 25 following the award. That target will test whether the horse can extend its momentum through the Hong Kong season and further solidify the sporting and commercial impact of a Timeform Horse of the Year. For fans and the industry, Ka Ying Rising’s season will be remembered as proof that the modern sprinter can be both a local idol and a global headline.