Tempted Ends Ka Ying Rising's Streak in an Unforgettable Everest
The Godolphin filly defeated the extraordinary Hong Kong sprinter by a neck, ending his 21-race winning streak. A rough start and a grueling trip compromised the heavy favorite, who surrendered his crown at Randwick
SYDNEY, Australia (Special for Turf Diario).— The most impressive winning streak in global racing came to an end this Saturday at Randwick. After stringing together 21 consecutive victories, Ka Ying Rising finally found a rival capable of defeating him. That distinction belonged to Tempted, the remarkable Godolphin filly trained by Ciaron Maher, who captured The Everest (G1-1200 m) and its AU$20 million purse in a thrilling finish.
The Hong Kong superstar, seeking to defend his 2025 crown, finished second by just a neck after overcoming a mountain of adversity during the run. Guided by Zac Purton, the defending champion was forced to travel wide, without cover, and further off the pace than anticipated—circumstances that ultimately proved decisive.
Despite concerns surrounding the yielding turf and a wide draw in barrier 11, Ka Ying Rising went off as the shortest-priced favorite in The Everest history, jumping at odds of 7-20.
Yet this time, the sheer dominance he had displayed over his previous 21 outings was not enough to overcome every obstacle.
Tempted, who had finished behind him in the previous edition, enjoyed a far more favorable trip and capitalized on every yard to secure the defining victory of her career.
Hayes: “Loved the Finish, Hated the Result”
David Hayes, trainer of Ka Ying Rising, made no attempt to hide his frustration following the race, though he praised the courage of his star gelding: “We didn't expect him to be so far back, but that was a consequence of the draw. Sometimes barrier 11 can work in your favor, but today he was caught far too wide,” he explained to Sky Racing.
The veteran conditioner noted that the contrasting trips made all the difference: “The winner and the third horse were able to save ground inside and enjoyed ideal journeys. We had a terrible run, covers six wide without any cover.”
Despite the brutal trip, Ka Ying Rising came within inches of catching the winner. “He was immensely brave. Loved the finish, hated the result. If there's a silver lining, he was in front a stride past the post,” Hayes added.
The trainer also conferred with Purton, who echoed the belief that the wide gate and covering extra ground were the key factors in the defeat.
“Zac feels the same way. The draw forced us into an awkward wide position, while the winner had a dream trip. Credit to her team, because Tempted has had a sensational spring.”
While the setback interrupts a winning streak that seemed boundless and had elevated him into a global racing icon, it does nothing to diminish Ka Ying Rising's overall stature.
Return to Hong Kong Planned
Far from altering long-term plans, Hayes confirmed the sprinter will now head home to continue his campaign.
“He'll target Longines Day during the Hong Kong International Races, and then the FWD Champions Day. The season is only just getting under way, so we hope to return for another crack at The Everest next year,” he revealed.
The prospect of returning to Randwick in 2027 demonstrates that connections retain absolute faith in their champion.
For now, Ka Ying Rising must adjust to a sensation he hasn't felt in a very long time: defeat.
Yet even in defeat, coming so close after such an arduous trip against a top-class mare, he confirmed once again that he remains one of the premier sprinters in world racing.
Tempted achieved a landmark victory by ending Ka Ying Rising's 21-race streak. The Hong Kong champion surrendered his crown by a mere neck in a race that forced him to overcome trouble from the break to the wire.
He missed the top spot this time. But even in defeat, he showed why his name holds a rarefied place among the turf's modern legends.
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