Fraser Auret, breeder of the world-class sprinter Ka Ying Rising, recently traveled from rural New Zealand to Hong Kong to see the horse for the first time since his sale. Ka Ying Rising, who was bred by Auret and his wife Erin at their Grandmoral Lodge Racing center, has risen to international fame after winning The Everest (G1) in Australia and now competes under David Hayes in Hong Kong. The five-year-old star is on the verge of extending his unbeaten streak to 16 with a chance to equal local records in the upcoming Hong Kong Sprint (G1). Auret fondly recalls that Ka Ying Rising was the first horse they ever bred, a fortunate outcome from a mare they had trained, and despite the mare’s passing and limited progeny, the horse has brought immense joy to their family.
Auret’s breeding operation, rooted in a family legacy, has expanded modestly due to Ka Ying Rising’s success, now managing six mares. While the breeder acknowledges the challenge of replicating such a champion, he embraces the journey of developing future talent. The experience has also strengthened international connections, highlighting the importance of selling horses within New Zealand’s racing culture. Overall, Auret expresses pride and amazement at Ka Ying Rising’s development from a gangly young horse into a mature, top-tier sprinter, and looks forward to continuing his breeding ambitions despite the high bar set by this exceptional horse.
