Purton opens up on Ka Ying Rising’s Everest heartbreak

Zac Purton has admitted the defeat of Ka Ying Rising in Saturday’s Everest was difficult to swallow, believing a different barrier draw could have produced a completely different result.

Purton joined SENTrack & RSN’s Giddy Up to reflect on the shock defeat, with Tempted producing an outstanding performance to claim the $20 million feature at Randwick.

“Heartbreaking really, the shock of not having won the race was hard to swallow,” Purton said.

“I don’t want to take anything away from Tempted, she was awesome and showed her versatility.

“We just drew the wrong gate, ended up getting a pretty good run but he just got lost a bit around the corner.

“I didn’t expect all those horses to push up in the manner they did, it completely changed the complexion of the race.”

Purton was required to make a split-second decision during the race but believes he acted in the best interests of the champion sprinter, allowing him every opportunity to finish strongly.

“Under the circumstances, I think I made the right call and I had to make that call on the spot, I needed to still give the horse the chance to run a race,” he said.

“I think I made the right decision and because of that he still ran a good race.

“He showed great heart, grit and courage and attacked the line really strongly.

“It’s just a shame he didn’t get up and win, if he draws a different gate it’s completely different.”

Purton also discussed Ka Ying Rising’s record at Randwick, suggesting the gelding can struggle to fully balance up when straightening for home.

“It wasn’t completely foreign to him to come from behind and usually around Randwick is not a bad spot to be,” he said.

“He just seems to get a little lost there at Randwick when he balances up down the straight.”

While the result was disappointing, Purton was quick to acknowledge the efforts of trainer David Hayes and his team, believing the barrier draw played a significant role in the outcome.

“David did a great job preparing him and the team all played their part and had he drawn a good gate we are talking about him in a completely different manner,” he said.

For Purton, the defeat was a bitter pill to swallow, but he remained adamant that Ka Ying Rising had performed admirably under the circumstances, with the champion sprinter’s effort leaving him convinced that a different draw could have changed the story of The Everest.