Ka Ying Rising Ends 21‑Race Win Streak In Decisive Loss At Randwick

Ka Ying Rising Ends 21–Race Win Streak In Decisive Loss At Randwick

It is remarkable that Ka Ying Rising, having mounted a 21‑race winning streak, would be toppled at Randwick.

A six‑year‑old gelding widely regarded as the world’s premier sprinter—and ranked No. 1 in Longane’s World’s Best Racehorse Rankings—lost by a neck to Tempted in the $13.9 million ($20 million AU) The Everest Group 1 at Randwick, New South Wales, Australia.

The upset occurred during the sport’s richest turf race, run over 1,200 metres (approximately 7½ furlongs), marking Ka Ying Rising’s first defeat since February 2024 in Hong Kong.

An outside post position appeared to compromise the horse’s prospects, leaving jockey Zac Purton unable to place Ka Ying Rising within his preferred comfort zone among the faster competitors near the front. In contrast, Tempted, ridden by Chad Schofield, surged inward, seized the lead in the final stride, and narrowly stayed ahead of the retreating Ka Ying Rising, who had prevailed last year by a quarter‑length margin over the Godolphin‑owned Tempted.

“He slipped slightly farther back and wider than intended. The winner enjoyed a six‑length lead before falling one length behind,” stated trainer David Hayes.

“The setback on the outside can be beneficial occasionally, yet he drifted excessively wide. The leading contenders delivered stunning breakaways, generating a six‑wide field with limited turning assistance. Nonetheless, I hold great admiration for his bravery and commend the manner in which he completed his effort, even though the finish proved undesired.”

Looking forward, Haynes confirmed Ka Ying Rising will tour Hong Kong for next month’s Jockey Club Sprint (Group 2) and the Hong Kong Sprint (Group 1). He projected that the nine‑time Group 1 champion “may potentially compete again next season” to redeem the recent reversal. On her side, Tempted extended her unbeaten streak to six consecutive wins since her prior disappointment by Ka Ying Rising.

British Champions Day

Additional highlights from this edition include Godolphin’s achievements at the Champions Cup, where Ombudsman secured a three‑and‑a‑quarter‑length victory over Calandagan. Additionally, Talk of New York claimed the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes (Group 2).

The US Racing editorial staff consists of both full‑time and freelance contributors possessing specialized knowledge across every facet of competitive horseracing.