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| Staff Writer |
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As the morning mist lifts over the Gold Coast's pristine beaches, Bustling thunders down the training track in Melbourne, his hooves echoing the dreams of one man who's been waiting eight long years for this moment. Max Whitby, prominent owner and ex-Sydney racing identity, waits anxiously with a mixture of pride and anticipation. For Whitby, an original slot holder in The Everest, Australia's richest horse race, Bustling represents the culmination of a relentless search for the perfect equine athlete.
"I've been involved in racing for many, many years," Whitby reflects. "We've always looked for the fast horses on the East Coast of Australia. But until now, we've never had one suitable for The Everest. Bustling is the one we've been waiting for."
The Everest, with its staggering US$14 million prize purse, has been Whitby's white whale since its inception in 2017. As one of the original slot holders, he's witnessed the race's transformation from a controversial concept to a global phenomenon. Now, with Bustling, he believes he's found the key to unlock Everest glory.
Bustling, a precocious three-year-old son of Frosted, has already made waves in the racing world. With four wins from five starts, including impressive victories in the Gr.2 Karrakatta Plate and the Gr.3 WA Sires' Produce Stakes, the gelding has marked himself as a force to be reckoned with.
For Whitby, Bustling represents more than just a talented horse; he symbolises a shifting landscape in Australian racing. "We're seeing a changing of the guard," Whitby explains, his voice tinged with excitement. "Many of the older, established names are retiring or have already left the track. We need fresh horses that can deliver amazing results in The Everest. Bustling is at the forefront of this new wave."
This changing of the guard is not just about the horses. It reflects the evolving nature of Australian racing, with The Everest at the heart of this transformation. The race has brought fresh energy to the sport, attracting a new generation of fans and investors.
Whitby elaborates on the impact of this changing landscape, "You're seeing a revitalisation of the entire industry. New owners, new trainers, new jockeys – they're all bringing fresh perspectives and innovative approaches to the sport. It's exciting to be part of this evolution."
What sets this year apart for Whitby is not just the quality of his Everest contender but the nature of his involvement. For the first time, he owns both the horse and the slot, putting him in a unique position.
"Importantly for me as a slot holder, we own the horse this year instead of having to lease it off somebody for three and a half minutes," Whitby explains. "If you own the horse and you own the slot, you're in a more powerful position as far as the split goes."
“This new approach is the culmination of years of observation and learning for Whitby. "It's just years of watching, studying the preparation, the lead-up races. There's no science to it, really. It's about patience and recognising the right opportunity when it comes along."
Whitby's strategy reflects a broader trend in the industry, where owners are taking a more hands-on approach to their investments. By controlling both the horse and the slot, Whitby has positioned himself to maximise his potential returns, both financially and in terms of racing glory.
With Bustling now in his stable, Whitby is plotting a course to Randwick that he hopes will end in Everest glory. The gelding has been moved to the care of Mick Price and Michael Kent Jr, a training partnership Whitby holds in high regard.
"They're very sound, very professional trainers," Whitby says. "The quicker we get the horse to Sydney, the more comfortable I'll be, and we'll see what happens from there."
The path to The Everest is not without its challenges. Bustling will need to adapt to racing in the clockwise direction, a change from the anti-clockwise races he's been accustomed to in Western Australia and Victoria.
"We need to ensure he steps on the right foot," Whitby explains. "There are suitable races in Victoria, but that might undo what we're trying to do to get the horse on the Sydney way of going. There are opportunities in Sydney, too. The next month or so will determine where we place the horse before going into the October races."
This careful planning underscores the meticulous approach Whitby and his team are taking. From training regimens to race selections, every detail is being scrutinised to give Bustling the best possible chance of success in The Everest.
As the countdown to The Everest begins, Whitby is cautiously optimistic about Bustling's chances. "I am very optimistic," he admits. "The bookmakers don't have us as favourites yet. They've got us at odds ranging from 18-1 to 12-1, maybe 15-1 or 20-1. But as these lead-up races unfold in the next few weeks, you'll see the market adjust. I wouldn't mind having 15-1 in The Everest. That'd be pretty good."
But for Whitby, The Everest is just the beginning. He sees Bustling as a long-term prospect, one that could carry his colours for years to come.
"I haven't just bought him for The Everest," Whitby reveals. "I bought him with long-term prospects. We can race around Australia where we have numerous million-dollar races. So, we can pick up some substantial prize money. Obviously, the first objective is to recoup our investment. And then, who knows where this journey might take us?"
This long-term vision is characteristic of Whitby's approach to the sport. He's not just looking for a quick win, but for sustained success and the opportunity to leave a lasting mark on Australian racing.
As Whitby prepares for what could be the defining moment of his racing career, he's also reflecting on the broader impact of The Everest on Australian racing.
"There's no doubt about it: this race is redefining the landscape of Australian racing," he predicts. "There's always been a fierce rivalry between Victoria and New South Wales. But the fact is, it's healthy competition. We've shown Victoria how to put on a series of high-quality races. The prize money now far exceeds what was previously on offer."
For Whitby, The Everest represents more than just a race. It's a new way of engaging with a younger audience, bringing fresh energy and excitement to the sport he loves.
"We're seeing crowds at Randwick now that we haven't seen for 30-40 years," he says. "It's not just about the gambling. Socially, it's fantastic for the young people of Sydney. It's become a vibrant meeting place with a great atmosphere. The ATC puts on a brilliant event after the races. It's like a music festival, with entertainment going on until late in the evening."
This shift in focus, from traditional racing to the experience of more holistic entertainment, is breathing new life into the sport. It's attracting a new generation of fans who otherwise might not have been drawn to horse racing.
Numerous successes have marked Max Whitby's journey in the world of horse racing, but his partnership with Bustling could be his most exciting venture yet. With a career spanning decades, Whitby has established himself as a shrewd owner and businessman, always on the lookout for the next big thing in racing.
Bustling's impressive record speaks for itself. In just five starts, the gelding has amassed four wins and a second place, including those notable Group race victories. These performances caught the eye of Whitby and his co-owner Neil Werrett, leading to a reported six-figure sum changing hands to secure the promising youngster.
Under the guidance of trainers Mick Price and Michael Kent Jr, Bustling has continued to impress. Kent Jr has been particularly effusive in his praise, saying, "He's a gorgeous horse and awfully athletic. He is not a typical two-year-old type; he's got a lot of leg beneath him and has a lot of growing to do, and that was one of the factors we were confident he wasn't just a flash in the pan."
This combination of Whitby's experience and Bustling's raw talent has the potential to shake up the racing world. As the countdown to The Everest continues, all eyes will be on this formidable partnership, eagerly anticipating what could be a defining moment in Australian racing history.
Whitby's eyes are firmly fixed on the future as the sun sets on another day in Queensland. With Bustling in his stable and a wealth of experience behind him, he's ready to take on The Everest and whatever challenges lie beyond.
"The Everest has probably hit the pause button for now," he muses. "But there's no reason it can't continue to grow and evolve. What it's achieved in eight years is nothing short of remarkable. And with horses like Bustling coming through, we're just getting started. This could be the beginning of a new golden age for Australian racing."
Whitby's optimism is infectious, and it's easy to see why. The Everest has not only revitalised Australian racing but has also put it on the global map. International attention is growing, and with it, the potential for even greater things to come.
As for Bustling, the future looks bright. Whether he triumphs in The Everest or not, he represents a new breed of racehorse – one that embodies the changing face of Australian racing. Fast, versatile, and with the potential for longevity, horses like Bustling are set to carry the sport forward into a new era.
For Max Whitby, the journey has been long, but the destination is finally in sight. As Bustling continues his preparations for The Everest, Whitby can look back on eight years of patience, perseverance, and unwavering belief. Now, with his dream horse finally in his stable, he stands on the precipice of racing immortality.
The stage is set, the players are ready, and as the racing world holds its breath, one thing is certain: when the gates open for The Everest, Bustling and Max Whitby will be right there, ready to make history.