David Hayes called it the biggest thrill of his life and Zac Purton soaked up his “single biggest moment” after Ka Ying Rising set Randwick alight in Saturday’s Group One The Everest (1,200m).

Despite 13 straight wins in Hong Kong including multiple track records and four Group One successes, Ka Ying Rising found plenty of knockers in Australia.

It took the superstar little more than a minute to dispel any doubt that he is by far the world’s best sprinter.

“I felt happy for the horse,” said Purton. “So much has been written and said about him and we know how good he is and I just wanted him to show people in Australia.

“He got the opportunity today with the draw, the way the race was run, all those things, but he still had to deliver and he did. The weight of a nation was on this horse today.”

The winner of countless Group Ones in Hong Kong and major races in Australia, Japan and the United Kingdom, Purton was in little doubt when asked where The Everest success ranked among his career achievements.

“I would say probably the single biggest moment just because of the stature the race has got now and everything that came with it,” said the jockey after Ka Ying Rising’s first win outside Hong Kong.

“The build up, the horse, coming from overseas, all those things – I think it was probably the single biggest moment.”

Relieved and ecstatic at the same time, Hayes was quick to praise Purton after Ka Ying Rising became the first international winner of The Everest.

“Great ride by Zac and I was actually going to be shattered today if he lost. I think there’s more to come with this horse but it’s certainly the biggest thrill in my life – and it’s been the longest 10 days in my life,” said Hayes, who found himself at the centre of a media storm last weekend following “fake news” online about Ka Ying Rising potentially missing The Everest.

“I really have to thank my team, they haven’t missed a beat with him and they’ve given just a wonderful effort.”

While Ka Ying Rising worked himself into a lather before trialling below expectations on October 7, he paraded well before Saturday’s A$20 million (HK$101 million) contest.

“Today, there was no sweat between his legs and that made me quietly confident,” said Hayes.

“It was an absolute thrill and I can’t wait to watch the replay and enjoy it.”

Nicely away from barrier seven, Ka Ying Rising sat just off pacesetters Mazu and Overpass before wearing down the lead pair, edging to the front inside the 200m and pulling clear to salute by a length and a quarter from Tempted.

“The whole race I was very happy with where I was. When Overpass kicked I knew I had to chase him and I was just hoping I was able to do that,” said Purton.

“Once I started to get into my rhythm I was always confident I had him and didn’t mind the fact he went for home early because I knew that got us away from the rest of the field.”

While it all looked straightforward enough during the race, Purton admitted to feeling the pinch in the lead-up.

“There was a lot of pressure but at the end of the day I’ve got to block all that out,” he said.

“I’ve got a job to do and that’s to try and give him his chance to win the race. I was able to do that and then it was up to him whether he was able to deliver and he did that as well.

“It rattled me a little bit with his trial the other day. That wasn’t him. We brought him down here so everyone in Australia could see how good he was and he’s shown that today.”

Ka Ying Rising’s 14th consecutive victory took him past HK$100 million in prize money and both Hayes and owner Leung Shek-kong suggested the horse will defend his The Everest crown in 12 months.

Purton finished the day with a double after also winning the Group Three Sydney Stakes (1,200m) aboard Rothfire.

The Everest set a World Pool record, with HK$83,024,693 wagered on the race through the global tote.