Former Hong Kong-based jockey Chad Schofield believes Tempted has the attributes to upstage Ka Ying Rising in the AU$20 million (approx. HK$109.5 million) G1 The Everest (1200m) at Randwick Racecourse in Sydney, Australia on Saturday (17 October).

Schofield, who rode 208 winners in Hong Kong before relocating to Australia in 2021, has nothing but admiration for Ka Ying Rising, the world’s top-rated horse, who will attempt to extend his winning streak to 22 races with a second consecutive victory in The Everest.

But Schofield is optimistic Tempted – who is unbeaten in five starts since finishing second to Ka Ying Rising in last year’s The Everest – has the quality to topple Hong Kong’s superstar.

“The clock doesn’t lie, he’s (Ka Ying Rising) the most amazing racehorse and probably one of the best we’ve seen,” Schofield said, referring to Ka Ying Rising’s effort to break the Sha Tin 1200m course record in winning the G3 HKSAR Chief Executive’s Cup Handicap (1200m) in 1m 06.11s on 6 September.

“But to head into an Everest on a horse I think is capable of knocking him off is special and I’m in a very fortunate position.

“She’s a horse with the most amazing turn of foot. He (Ka Ying Rising) obviously has a completely different racing style to her and it’s going to create an amazing race and a great spectacle. May the best horse win.”

Ka Ying Rising completes preparations at Canterbury Racecourse for The Everest.

Ka Ying Rising completes preparations at Canterbury Racecourse for The Everest.

Tempted’s trainer Ciaron Maher pointed to the mare’s flawless wet-track record of four wins from four starts with Randwick Racecourse rated a Heavy 8 on Friday morning (16 October) after receiving 99mm of rain this week.

But he is adamant Ka Ying Rising remains a deserved favourite as the horse to beat despite never having started on a heavy track.

“I feel it’s pretty similar to last year. Ka Ying, it’s his second time travelling and no doubt things would be smoother for him this time around, and he was able to win and win quite easy last time,” Maher said.

“He’s obviously the world’s best for a reason and I feel he’s in better order than last time. He’s a freak of nature.”

Referring to conjecture over how Ka Ying Rising will handle rain-affected turf, Maher said: “He’s still going to be mighty, mighty hard to beat, I feel. It might be a little bit wetter, but he’s probably in better order and he knows what he’s in for.”

David Hayes oversees Ka Ying Rising’s trackwork.

David Hayes oversees Ka Ying Rising’s trackwork.

Ka Ying Rising’s trainer David Hayes is happy with the dual Hong Kong Horse of the Year’s (2024/25 & 2025/26) preparations as he bids to create history on several fronts, including becoming the first overseas-trained horse to win The Everest twice.

If successful, Ka Ying Rising would equal Golden Sixty’s feat of winning 10 Group 1s to share second place overall behind Romantic Warrior, who holds the Hong Kong record with 15 Group 1 spoils.

The Everest will be run at 1.15pm Hong Kong time.

By Leo Schlink in Sydney