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| Staff Writer |
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Ka Ying Rising will dodge the Champions Sprint at Flemington with connections opting instead for the Russell Balding Stakes at Rosehill this November.
David Hayes, trainer of the world's top-rated sprinter, has revealed the decision comes after Racing Victoria's tough veterinary protocols prompted the change in plans.
"The race after The Everest carries a bonus for The Everest winner," Hayes told the South China Morning Post.
"It means he doesn't have to do any extra travelling and doesn't have to go through the protocols again to run in Melbourne, so the protocols made my decision very easy."
Racing Victoria's strict rules, implemented in 2021 following fatalities in the Melbourne Cup, would require Ka Ying Rising to undergo further scans and assessments before being cleared to race in Melbourne.
"The horse has to go to hospital to have the tests, which normally healthy horses aren't in hospital, he has to travel which is another risk, have a day away from his routine feed and be tranquillised to have it done, so it's quite an ordeal," Hayes added.
Ka Ying Rising, the market leader for The Everest, is now targeting the Russell Balding Stakes for a US$650,000 bonus.