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| Staff Writer |
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Bella Nipotina is gearing up for the biggest challenge of her illustrious career, with TAB announcing the multiple Group One winning mare as its runner for this year's US$13.2 million Gr.1 TAB Everest at Randwick on 19 October.
The Ciaron Maher-trained 7YO has been in scintillating form, recently finishing runner-up in the Gr.2 Concorde Stakes at Randwick. This performance follows a stellar Winter carnival that saw her clinch Group One victories in the Doomben 10,000 and Tattersall's Tiara at Eagle Farm.
Maher, embarking on his first Everest campaign, is brimming with confidence. "My team and I are so excited to have our first runner in The TAB Everest and there is no more deserving mare than Bella Nipotina," he enthused. "She has proven time and time again that she is one of the best sprinters in the land and we thank TAB for selecting her."
The trainer outlined the mare's preparation, stating, "Bella only had a short break after her dominant Queensland carnival and her first up performance in The Concorde couldn't have been more impressive. We know 1000m is as short as she wants it, and we are excited to get her up over her preferred trip of 1200m next start. The plan will be to run in The Premiere on 5 October, then it's two weeks into the TAB Everest."
Maher's unwavering faith in his charge was evident as he declared, "She just keeps getting better this mare, I wouldn't trade her for anything else and we're excited to go on the journey with the TAB team over the next month."
Brett Boyd, Tabcorp's Head of Racing Industry Partnerships, expressed his excitement about securing Bella Nipotina for the world's richest sprint race. "We're thrilled to have locked in the services of one of Australia's highest-class, in-form sprinters," Boyd said. "TAB has been proudly associated with The Everest since its inception, and we believe we've got the right horse to win it this year."
The TAB Everest, now in its seventh year, has quickly established itself as one of the most prestigious sprint races globally. Previous winners include Redzel, who claimed the inaugural running in 2017 and successfully defended his title in 2018. Nature Strip, victorious in 2021, went on to dominate at Royal Ascot the following year. Last year's winner, Think About It, has continued to impress with Group One success in the Kingsford-Smith Cup.
Having already amassed over US$7.2 million in prizemoney, Bella Nipotina's connections are eyeing the TAB Everest as the crowning jewel to her three Group One triumphs. Managing Owner Michael Christian shared his elation, saying, "We are absolutely thrilled to partner with TAB and have Bella run in the 2024 TAB Everest. We are so blessed to be involved with such an incredible horse and to be able to run in TAB's slot in the TAB Everest is a dream come true. We look forward to an exciting few weeks ahead."
As the countdown to the TAB Everest intensifies, all eyes will be on Bella Nipotina as she aims to etch her name in the annals of Australian racing history.