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| Staff Writer |
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As a squad of 40 individuals wearing cowboy hats arrives from the West, they exude an air of confidence and make their presence known.
Although it may resemble a scene from a Western film, this lively atmosphere can be found in the members area at Royal Randwick on Saturday. Among them are the passionate members of the Rockingham RAM Racing syndicate, eagerly cheering on Overpass, trained by Bjorn Baker, as they compete in the high-stakes A$20 million TAB Everest.
"There's about 40 of us that are coming over – I think we will stand out," RAM Racing's Aaron Byers said.
"We are in the members and you can't be underdressed in there, we'll have the cowboy hats and ties on."
RAM Racing's partnership with the Australian Turf Club (ATC) for the upcoming Everest on Saturday is the result of their dream that started earlier this year.
As joint-slot holders, they will be represented by the talented 5YO sprinter Overpass. Even though they haven't achieved victory in the Everest yet, the syndicate has already accomplished a significant triumph by winning Western Australia's most prestigious race, The Quokka, worth A$4 million in April. RAM Racing was created by a group of friends from Western Australia with the goal of securing a slot in the state's richest race.
"It all started with us wanting to get a spot in the Quokka," Byers said.
"Two of the guys in the syndicate have a share in one of the RAM dealerships in Perth – that's how the RAM racing name came about."
The group successfully secured the slot and recruited Baker and his speedy horse for the Ascot feature. In the race, the 5YO gelding took the lead right from the start and held on until the end, thwarting the hopes of hometown favorite Amelia's Jewel.
"It's seven of us that are into racing and we thought it was a bit of a pipe dream to be honest," he said.
"We got a spot in the Quokka and got hold of Bjorn and Overpass – and it just kind of started from there.
"We've got the band back for the Everest."
On Saturday, Overpass will once again strive for the lead, and as he maintains his position, the cheers from the RAM Racing syndicate in the Randwick embers will only grow louder.
"We screamed fairly hard at the Quokka, I think we will be nice and loud," Byers said
"He's one of those horses that goes to the front and wants that line more than any of them.
"We are super excited, it was a bit of a dream after winning the Quokka (to go to The Everest).
"He will definitely put in a good race and we'll try and carry him over the line with our voice."
On Saturday, the horse named Overpass, who happens to be the son of Vancouver, will make his move from barrier two. This exciting announcement was made during a remarkable barrier reveal event on Tuesday night at Sydney Harbour.
"I couldn't be happier with the barrier draw, gate two was the one that we wanted and the next thing you know we've got it," he said.
The significance of having a slot in The Everest isn't lost on Byers, who has never been to The Everest on race day.
"We've all been to Randwick a few times before but I've actually never been to an Everest," he said.
"We are super appreciative of the ATC, Scott Darby and Bjorn Baker for giving us the opportunity – we are very honoured."
The Quokka showcased the cowboy hats for everyone to see. And, as expected, they will once again be a prominent sight at Randwick on Saturday.
"One of the guys in the syndicate who does the promotional work, Stuart Campbell, it was his idea," he said.
"The RAM trucks have that cowboy theme to it, we thought we might as well run with that.
"We did it for the Quokka and it kind of stuck – it was a bit of a drawcard on the day.
"Once the race was over everyone knew who we were, so we thought we will bring it to Sydney and see how we go."
Byers understands that in a race as prestigious as The Everest, there are no guarantees. However, this doesn't deter him from envisioning a victorious win for Overpass and the subsequent grand festivities.
"I can't wait, it's a pinch yourself moment," he said.
"You come over here with the intention of winning, but a lot of luck has to go your way.
"The celebrations … we were flying home (this) Sunday – but if Overpass gets up, we might fly home next Sunday."
Baker, the astute trainer, has developed a strong relationship with RAM Racing after their success with Quokka. Despite being one of the quirkier syndicates in the racing world, RAM Racing can boast of having one of the sport's great characters at the helm.
"The relationship is very good, he's very open with us, and has been ever since we met him," Byers said.
"He's an absolute character and we've got a very close relationship with him."
The victory of Overpass in The Quokka brought about tremendous celebrations for Baker and his associates. If he manages to win the major prize sprint on Saturday, we can expect a similar outpouring of joy and festivities.
"It (The Quokka) was great, a really good day and the afterparty was very big," he said.
"I didn't know what the Quokka was before I went over, now I'm very fond of the Quokka.
"There's a big chance I could be donning a cowboy hat, and I hope I am."
It is uncertain who will celebrate more passionately if Overpass wins. However, the aftermath of this victory would certainly leave a lasting impression. One particular member of the Overpass ownership group has such a deep appreciation for the horse's achievements that they even have a tattoo featuring the galloper's Group Two Inglis Sprint win and The Quokka triumphs.
"A few of them (RAM Racing) have had a few more recent runs than me, but it would be pretty amazing," he said.
"It's a special day in terms of the atmosphere and it's really electric, it's going to be hard to quantify but it will definitely kick on."