Racing NSW and the Australian Turf Club announced that all slots have been filled for the $10 million The Everest to be run for the first time at Royal Randwick Racecourse on Saturday, 14 October 2017.
“I am delighted to announce that we have filled all twelve places in The Everest,” said Racing NSW Chairman, Mr Russell Balding, AO.
“We are proud that Sydney will now have the world’s richest turf race. This will also ensure an international focus for thoroughbred racing in Sydney.”
The future of the race has been secured with a broad range of slot holders having committed to participate in the race for the first three runnings through to 2019. These slot holders also have an option for The Everest in 2020.
“We are thrilled at the response from both within and outside the racing industry,” said Australian Turf Club Chairman, Mr Laurie Macri.
“It is important that racing finds ways to generate mainstream interest in the sport. The Everest has already generated tremendous interest and adds a new dimension to racing,” Mr Macri added.
Full details of all slot holders will be announced in coming weeks. “All slot holders will be provided the opportunity to maximise their involvement in The Everest,” Mr Balding said.
Saturday’s Darley TJ Smith Stakes at The Championships now carries an added element, with the race certain to attract the attention of slot holders. Many runners will also be seeking a return to Royal Randwick in October.
Greg Ingham’s GPI Racing, represented by the newly launched Andrew Williams Bloodstock, is one of the confirmed slot holders and a part-owner of Chautauqua which chases a third consecutive TJ Smith Stakes at The Championships this Saturday.
The grey will be directed towards The Everest in October 2017 and GPI Racing will work with Andrew Williams to source the best quality local or international sprinters for subsequent runnings of The Everest.
Golden Slipper winner She Will Reign was also last week confirmed as a runner in The Everest for Yu Long Investments. Run under weight-for-age conditions, the Everest will be the highlight of racing in Sydney’s spring and both the richest 1200 metre race in the world and the richest turf race in the world.
– Racing NSW
