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| Staff Writer |
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Racing Australia officially elevated two of the nation’s premier events, The Everest and The All-Star Mile, to Group One status. The decision, announced on Wednesday, marks a significant milestone for both New South Wales and Victorian racing. The two races have gained worldwide recognition, further cementing Australia’s role on the global stage of horse racing.
In a press release, Racing Australia declared the move: “Following the recent agreement and adoption of the Australian Black Type Guidelines by the Racing Australia Board, a review of races under those guidelines is being conducted.” The release emphasised that The Everest and The All-Star Mile "have been determined to have achieved the criteria and will be recognised as a Group One."
While both races were only recently introduced, their swift rise to prominence reflects not only their prize money but also their impact on the global racing scene. The Everest, first run in 2017, and The All-Star Mile, introduced in 2019, have each captured the imagination of both seasoned fans and a new generation of racing enthusiasts.
When The Everest first launched, its unconventional format drew both attention and scepticism. Critics dismissed it as a fleeting novelty, a race too focused on spectacle. However, under the leadership of Peter V'landys, Racing NSW defied these detractors. "Having The Everest as a Group One is one of my proudest achievements," V'landys remarked.
First won by Redzel in 2017, The Everest has since seen top-tier sprinters claim victory, including Nature Strip, Classique Legend, and Giga Kick. The event has grown into the world's richest turf race, offering a staggering US$13 million in prize money. Its allure extends beyond racing, with innovative promotions, including a barrier draw projected onto the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House.
Nature Strip, widely regarded as one of the best sprinters globally, took The Everest crown in 2021 before going on to conquer the King’s Stand Stakes at Royal Ascot, showcasing the calibre of horses competing in the race.
The prestige surrounding The Everest continues to grow, with recent international attention proving it to be a serious contender among the world's elite sprint races. Recent editions of the race have attracted interest far beyond Australia’s shores, placing it in the upper echelons of global racing events.
Meanwhile, The All-Star Mile has also garnered considerable acclaim. Initially, this Victorian race featured a public-voting system, which allowed fans to determine which horses competed. Over time, however, the race has evolved, with the public voting phase no longer part of its selection process. Nevertheless, it remains a significant fixture in the Australian racing calendar.
First held in 2019, the inaugural race saw Mystic Journey clinch the victory, before moving on to win the Gr.1 Australian Guineas. Since then, the race has continued to attract high-calibre runners, with recent winners including Pride Of Jenni and Mr Brightside. The latter, particularly, has built a formidable record, securing his second All-Star Mile in 2023.
Aaron Morrison, the Racing Victoria chief executive, remarked on the achievement, saying, “The upgrade to Group One status cements The All-Star Mile’s position as one of the premier middle-distance races in the country.” His statement highlights the growing cooperation between Victoria and New South Wales, a far cry from the previous “cold war” between the states' racing bodies.
Looking ahead, the 2024 All-Star Mile promises an exhilarating showdown, with defending champion Mr Brightside set to face off against the versatile Alligator Blood at Caulfield. Both horses have built impressive credentials, and their clash will likely be one of the most anticipated contests of the upcoming racing season. Mr Brightside, having won the Doncaster Mile in 2022, remains a crowd favourite, while Alligator Blood, known for his tenacity, adds a fierce competitive edge to the race.
The elevation of these races not only acknowledges their quality but also positions them on the international stage alongside other prestigious Group One events. For The Everest, it solidifies its status as the preeminent sprint race, while The All-Star Mile gains recognition as one of Australia’s key middle-distance contests.
Recent ratings under the Australian Black Type Guidelines reflect the standing of both races:
With these upgrades, both races are expected to draw even more top-tier international competitors, enhancing the quality and excitement of future editions. Their Group One status confirms what many in the industry already knew—Australia’s racing landscape is evolving rapidly, and these two races are at the forefront of that transformation.