The days leading up to the 2026 Everest at Royal Randwick have been anything but dry. On Tuesday, 15 October, heavy rain battered the track, followed by patchy showers that have left the turf in a state of uncertainty. In Australian racing, a wet surface can turn a sprint into a test of stamina and adaptability, and trainers are already adjusting their strategies. The question on every punter’s mind is whether the rain will favour the proven resilience of the defending champion or open the door for the unbeaten newcomer.
Ka Ying Rising arrives as the defending champion, a horse that has already shown a strong performance on rain-affected going. Trainer Ciaron Maher, who also prepares two of the race’s other contenders, offers a measured appraisal: “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 adds a note of reverence: “He’s obviously the world’s best for a reason and I feel he’s in better order than last time.” The champion will carry 58.5 kg, the standard top weight for the Everest, underscoring the confidence the handicapper has in its ability to dominate even under a heavy burden.
The horse carries 51 kg, the lightest of the three, which could prove advantageous if the track remains soft and the race unfolds at a brisk tempo.
Last year’s placegetters Tempted and Jimmysstar will get another crack at Ka Ying Rising in next week’s $20m The Everest https://t.co/2KHUUQ8uPR
If Ka Ying Rising is the benchmark, Tempted is the rising star poised to challenge it. The mare has been unbeaten since her last start, a streak that has captured the imagination of bettors and pundits alike. Adding to the narrative, Tempted draws barrier one, a position that historically offers a tactical advantage in sprint races by allowing a clean break and the ability to dictate pace.
The weight assignment for Tempted is 56.5 kg, a modest concession compared with the champion’s 58.5 kg, reflecting the handicapper’s attempt to level the playing field. Maher, speaking about the mare’s adaptability, notes, “A heavy is an unknown, but she’s been on heavy tracks in trials, and they are going to trial well because they are not coming off the bit.” In other words, Tempted’s recent exposure to heavy conditions in training could translate into a performance edge on the rain‑slicked Randwick turf.
Jimmysstar, with 13 runs under its belt, has emerged as the next best betting option behind the champion and the unbeaten mare. The horse carries 51 kg, the lightest of the three, which could prove advantageous if the track remains soft and the race unfolds at a brisk tempo. Maher’s neutral stance on Jimmysstar is evident in his comment, “I feel it’s pretty similar to last year,” implying that the horse’s form and conditions are comparable to a previous successful outing.
While not the outright favorite, Jimmysstar’s combination of experience and a lighter weight assignment makes it a plausible contender for a place finish, especially if the race unfolds with a “kind run and hot tempo,” a scenario Maher believes could see the winner take home the $10 million share of the $20 million prize pool again.
Ka Ying Rising makes it 14 straight wins! The Hong Kong superstar claims the $20million Group 1 TAB Everest 🗻 🥇 Tempted 🥈and Jimmysstar 🥉 fill the minors 🏇 @zpurton David Hayes take the Everest to another level 🔥 @HongKong_Racing @WorldPool @racing_nsw https://t.co/spT66rKMhW
In the Everest, weight assignments are a crucial variable. Ka Ying Rising’s 58.5 kg places it at the top of the scale, a reflection of its dominance. Tempted’s 56.5 kg is a strategic concession, while Jimmysstar’s 51 kg offers a potential speed advantage. The interplay between these weights and the wet track will dictate race dynamics.
A heavy track typically slows the overall pace, rewarding horses that can sustain a strong, steady rhythm. Maher’s observation that “How much weight you put on track or order, he’s still going to be mighty, mighty hard to beat, I feel,” underscores the belief that Ka Ying Rising’s class transcends the variables of weight and condition.
Maher’s comments throughout the lead‑up have been deliberately balanced. He acknowledges the champion’s superiority, the unbeaten run of Tempted, and the comparable form of Jimmysstar without overtly favoring any single entrant. This neutrality is captured in his repeated statements: “I feel it’s pretty similar to last year,” and “He’s obviously the world’s best for a reason and I feel he’s in better order than last time.” Such measured optimism reflects a trainer who trusts his horses’ preparation while respecting the unpredictable nature of a rain‑soaked sprint.
Gareth: "Who's going to be your best chance in The Everest - Jimmysstar or The Next Episode?" Ciaron: "I'll say Tempted." 🤣 📻 @SENGiddyUp live from 8am weekdays 📺 Ch. 78/68, Foxtel 529, Kayo or via our app https://t.co/3qLta31E8r
All eyes will turn to 17 October for the 2026 Everest race at Royal Randwick.