Imagine breeding a racehorse that becomes a global sensation, only to realize you might never replicate that success again. That’s the bittersweet reality for Fraser Auret, the breeder behind Ka Ying Rising, the world’s top sprinter whose meteoric rise has captivated the racing world. This week, Auret embarked on a journey of a lifetime to Hong Kong, reuniting with the champion he hadn’t seen since parting ways in rural New Zealand. But here’s where it gets emotional: Ka Ying Rising isn’t just a horse to Auret—he’s the first and only foal of his kind, a once-in-a-lifetime achievement that defies all odds.
Auret, alongside his wife Erin, operates Grandmoral Lodge Racing near Marton on New Zealand’s North Island. Their story took a dramatic turn when Ka Ying Rising, an unheralded colt, caught the eye of agent Mike Morais at a jumpout in Levin. Purchased for the Hayes family’s Lindsay Park operation, the horse quickly ascended the ranks, culminating in his triumph at The Everest (G1) in October. Now, as he prepares to defend his title in the Hong Kong Sprint (G1) on December 14, Ka Ying Rising stands on the brink of history. A win would extend his unbeaten streak to 16, just one shy of Silent Witness’s record 17 consecutive victories. And this is the part most people miss: his success wasn’t part of some grand plan—it was a happy accident.
‘We never set out to breed a champion,’ Auret admits. ‘But from the start, there was something special about him.’ Born to Missy Moo, a mare with a modest racing career, Ka Ying Rising’s potential was far from obvious. ‘He wasn’t your typical sprinter type—he was gangly, a bit weak,’ Auret recalls. ‘But each season, he grew stronger, more mature, until he became the powerhouse he is today.’ The journey has been a family affair, with Auret’s three children cheering him on at every race. ‘It’s not just about the wins,’ he says. ‘It’s the joy of watching him grow and the memories we’ve made along the way.’
But here’s the controversial twist: despite Ka Ying Rising’s multimillion-dollar earnings, Auret’s breeding legacy hangs in the balance. Missy Moo produced only two foals—Ka Ying Rising and his half-brother Ka Ying Glory—before passing away. ‘We tried to find a sister or relative to continue the line,’ Auret explains. ‘But Missy Moo had nine brothers and no sisters. It’s the end of the line.’ This raises a thought-provoking question: in the world of horse breeding, is success a matter of skill, luck, or something in between? Auret’s story suggests it’s a delicate blend of both.
As Auret tours Ka Ying Rising’s Sha Tin stables, invited by trainer David Hayes, he reflects on the surreal journey. ‘We’ve gone from breeding one mare to managing six, all because of him,’ he laughs. ‘I’ll probably spend the next 30 years trying to breed another like him—and fail. But that’s the beauty of it.’ With nearly $13 million in earnings and a legacy that transcends the track, Ka Ying Rising isn’t just a horse—he’s a testament to the unpredictable magic of breeding.
So, here’s the question for you: Can lightning ever strike twice in the world of horse breeding, or is Ka Ying Rising’s story truly one of a kind? Share your thoughts in the comments—we’d love to hear your take on this extraordinary tale. And for more stories like this, visit RacingPost.com (https://www.racingpost.com/).
