Kiwi Colt Ka Ying Rising Claims Title of World’s Fastest Racehorse

A New Zealand-bred racehorse has made headlines as the fastest sprinter in the world. Ka Ying Rising, known affectionately as Rocket to his family, is set to chase his 14th consecutive victory at The Everest, the richest turf race globally, with a prize of A$7 million on the line. The race will take place on Saturday, and the Auret family from Marton will be watching closely from their home, proudly wearing their supporter gear.

On March 15, 2024, Ka Ying Rising will step onto the Royal Randwick racecourse in Sydney, ridden by champion jockey Zac Purton. The horse, trained by Australian racing legend David Hayes, has gained a dedicated following in Hong Kong, where he has won 14 of his 16 starts, earning approximately $12.5 million in prize money.

The journey of Ka Ying Rising began at Windsor Park Stud in Waikato, where the Auret family first encountered him as a foal. Named Rocket by the Auret children, the colt’s potential was evident from an early age. His mother, Missy Moo, was purchased for just $500 at a bloodstock sale. She had previously won five races under the Auret family’s training before being bred with renowned Australian sprinter Shamexpress.

Fraser Auret recalls the day they picked up Rocket, stating, “He was doing laps of the track, and our children all decided on the nickname ‘Rocket.’ It’s funny as it’s transpired—he is a rocket.” This marked Auret’s first foray into breeding, and although he had no specific knowledge of genetic combinations, he hoped for the best.

Once Rocket started training at the Marton Racecourse, he quickly proved his ability. His rapid progress caught the attention of bloodstock agent Mike Marais, leading to his sale and subsequent training in Australia. Initially named Mr Express, he was later rebranded as Ka Ying Rising upon moving to Hong Kong.

The Auret family reflects on their decision to sell Rocket, acknowledging both the financial benefits and the pride of having produced a world-class horse. “We’ve worked very hard as a well-known source of genuinely talented horses, so it has opened a lot of doors for us,” Auret noted.

Despite the success, the story holds a bittersweet chapter. Missy Moo, who had given birth to Rocket, suffered from arthritis and was retired after her last race in the 2019 Wellington Cup. After giving birth to her second foal, she was euthanized due to her deteriorating condition. Auret emphasized that this decision was made with her best interests in mind.

In the months that followed, Rocket’s performance skyrocketed. After winning a trial in Victoria, he was sold to clients in Hong Kong and began his racing career, where he quickly rose to prominence. He has been consistently rated among the world’s best racehorses, securing the second position on the Longines world rankings behind Japan’s Forever Young.

As the family prepares for the upcoming race, excitement fills their Marton home. Children Milton, Oscar, and Grace have developed a deep bond with Rocket and proudly support him. “They’ve always known him as Rocket, and they’re very proud of what their little fluffy foal turned into,” Auret shared.

While Ka Ying Rising is the favorite for The Everest at odds of $1.80, Auret remains cautiously optimistic about the race conditions. He believes that if Rocket can replicate his Hong Kong form, he stands a strong chance of winning, despite the challenges of travel and adapting to a new environment.

As the race approaches, the Auret family’s enthusiasm is palpable. They look forward to cheering on Rocket, whose remarkable journey from a paddock in New Zealand to the world stage exemplifies the unpredictable nature of horse racing and the potential for greatness to emerge from humble beginnings.