God. I've seen some fast horses in my time covering racing, but what's happening in Hong Kong right now is just... different.
I was standing trackside at Sha Tin last month when Ka Ying Rising absolutely demolished teh field. Again. The local punters went absolutely mental. One old-timer next to me just shook his head and muttered "like watching a Ferrari race bicycles." And he wasn't wrong.
The Usain Bolt of horse racing?
Seven straight wins. A shattered track record. And now Ka Ying Rising is eyeing tomorrow's £2.2 million Chairman's Sprint on Champions Day like it's already his personal ATM. His trainer David Hayes - racing royalty in his own right - has even compared him to Usain Bolt, which seems almost understated when you watch this horse run.
I caught up with Hayes yesterday morning at the stables. He was wearing that same beige jacket he's been sporting throughout the horse's 11-race winning streak. More on that peculiar fashion choice later...
"He's very, very special. We're very confident," Hayes told me, with the kind of quiet certainty that would make bookmakers weep. "What he has done is awesome but I hope there's still more to come."
Then he leaned in closer. "He gets called Usain Bolt by some and a few have compared him to Black Caviar but it's probably a bit early for that."
Wait... didn't this guy train for THE QUEEN?
Hayes isn't just any trainer. The 62-year-old Australian is horse racing aristocracy - son of legendary trainer Colin Hayes and one of the few trainers personally invited to attend Queen Elizabeth II's funeral in 2022. He attended with his wife Prue, having trained several horses for Her Majesty over the years.
His career spans continents and decades. Melbourne Cup? Check. Japan Cup? Yep. Now back in Hong Kong since 2021 after a stint in Australia, Hayes believes Ka Ying Rising might just be the best horse he's ever had under his care.
That's saying something.
The lucky beige jacket (seriously)
Racing people are notoriously superstitious. Back in 2018, I watched a jockey eat the exact same meal before six consecutive races because he'd won after having it once. But Hayes takes it to another level with Ka Ying Rising.
"I'm not religious but I think I might be superstitious!" he admitted with a laugh. "His owner is even more so, he wears the same clothes every time but I tried a new beige suit last year and he's not stopped winning since!"
I asked if he'd consider changing outfits if the streak ended. His response: "That would be asking for trouble."
Hayes even watches each race from the same spot - a specific TV down at the weighing room. Look, when you've found a winning formula that's delivered 11 straight victories, why mess with it?
Sorry Ascot fans, you'll have to wait
For British racing enthusiasts hoping to see the world's top-rated sprinter at Royal Ascot this summer... tough luck. After Sunday's race, Ka Ying Rising gets a well-deserved break before targeting the £15 million Everest at Randwick in October.
Hayes sounded genuinely torn about this. "We love Ascot, I have tried a few times and it would rank right up there with my achievements if I could have a winner. But for this horse it's not realistic, it doesn't work in the calendar."
The timing just doesn't work out. And with The Everest offering that ridiculous prize money... well, you do the math.
A family affair that spans continents
While Hayes is making headlines in Hong Kong, his sons Ben, Will and JD are keeping the family flag flying in Australia. They took over his Lindsay Park operation in Victoria when Hayes returned to Hong Kong in 2021.
And now the Hayes racing dynasty faces an interesting scenario - David's Ka Ying Rising going for glory in the Chairman's Sprint while his sons' Australian star Mr Brightside takes on Voyage Bubble in the Champions Mile on the same card.
"It's a big day for all of us. If we could do the double that would be a dream result," Hayes said, looking every bit the proud father. "Mr Brightside is a serious horse and I think he will make a real race of it."
I spent $400 on bets last weekend adn came away with nothing. But something tells me backing against the Hayes family this Sunday would be throwing good money after bad.
Just look for the man in the beige jacket in the winner's enclosure. Twice.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Triple Crown in horseracing?
Triple Crown: This prestigious title is awarded to thoroughbreds that are three years old and have won three major races within a year. In the United States they are the Kentucky Derby Stakes (Preakness Stakes) and Belmont Stakes. Winning the Triple Crown is a rare and noteworthy accomplishment, signifying a horse's exceptional capability and endurance.
What are the factors that influence a horse race's outcome?
The result of a race is affected by many variables, such as the physical condition, the breeding and the training of the horse. A jockey's ability and experience are also crucial, as is the track conditions and distance. Weather conditions can be a major factor. Some horses perform better in specific conditions or on certain surfaces.
What type of surfaces do horse races take place on?
Horse races are held on a range of surfaces, such as synthetic tracks, turf (grass) and dirt. The different types of surfaces can influence a horse differently. Some horses might even have a preference. The outcome of the race can be affected by changes in conditions, such as a muddy track caused by rain.
How does betting work on horse races?
In horse racing, betting odds reflect the likelihood of a certain outcome. The odds are usually expressed in fractions or decimals, and they can show how much a better might win if he wins. The odds can change based on how much money is wagered for each horse. This can happen up to the start of the race. A seasoned bettor will watch these changes to make informed wagers.
How does a trainer prepare a horse for a race?
They prepare their horses meticulously for races by combining physical conditioning with nutrition and mental preparation. The trainers create workouts that increase stamina, speed, and strength. Trainers provide horses with the proper nutrition for maximum health and energy.
Statistics
- Horse racing is known to support roughly 1.4 million full-time jobs in the United States alone.
- The record for the highest horse race betting turnover in a year is held by Japan, surpassing $22 billion.
- The Kentucky Derby, one of the most watched horse racing events, has attracted over 150,000 spectators in a single event.
- There are over 9.2 million horses in the United States, with a significant portion of these bred for the purpose of racing.
- As of the latest reports, the horse racing industry contributes approximately $40 billion annually to the U.S. economy.
External Links
How To
How To Understand Horse Racing Odds and Payouts
In order to understand horse racing odds, you must first realize that odds are the return on your bet if it wins. Odds are usually displayed as fractions and decimals. A 5/1 odd is $5 per $1 bet plus your original stake. For a decimal odd of 6.00 a $1 bet returns $6. For payouts, multiply stake by odds. Remember that higher odds will offer larger payouts and a more likely horse to win.
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