HONG KONG - David Hayes, a veteran horse trainer with 35 years of experience, is back in Hong Kong for his fifth season, with high hopes for his standout horse, Ka Ying Rising. The four-year-old is set to compete for the short-distance "Triple Crown" title at Champions Day on April 27.

"I think his form is as good as it's been all year. We're hoping he can win this time and be undefeated for the season. So, touch wood, he can win the triple crown," Hayes said.

Ka Ying Rising has already made headlines in the Hong Kong racing scene, achieving 11 consecutive wins. The horse has secured titles in the Centenary Sprint Cup and Queen's Silver Jubilee Cup.

If he triumphs in the Chairman's Sprint Prize at Sha Tin on Sunday, which boasts a total purse of HK$22 million ($2.8 million), Ka Ying Rising will become the fifth horse in Hong Kong history to win all three events in this series.

"It's very exciting," he said. "The team is very honored to have a horse this good. He's right with the top sprinter in the world. And I think he is the top three horses in the whole world. It's a real pleasure."

Despite the immediate goal of winning the Triple Crown, Hayes has his sights set on a long-term objective: the Sydney Championship this October. That race is known for having the highest purse for turf sprints in the world.

ALSO READ: Horse trainer Yiu looks to shine in Hong Kong International Races

"It is his short-term goal to get the triple crown. His long-term goal is for October. It would be fantastic to have a Hong Kong horse win the race," Hayes said of his charge's prospects.

"Provided he stays healthy, I'm sure he is capable of doing it."

Hayes first gained prominence in the Australian racing scene in 1996, winning 31 Group One titles and becoming the most successful trainer in Melbourne and Adelaide. He moved to Hong Kong that year and remained for a decade, during which he was named champion trainer twice and achieved 458 wins. After returning to Australia in 2005, he trained several world-class horses and mentored his three sons to follow in his footsteps.

In 2020, Hayes made his return to Hong Kong, where he achieved 47 wins last season, bringing his total victories in the city to 600. This includes five wins with Ka Ying Rising, which also earned awards for best new horse and most improved horse.

Discussing the differences between racing in Hong Kong and Australia, Hayes emphasized the unique atmosphere in Hong Kong, where races occur weekly on a larger scale than anywhere else, resembling a carnival.

READ MORE: Massive Sovereign wins Hong Kong Derby

"I think our racing in Hong Kong should teach the world, not the other way around," he said.