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| Staff Writer |
As the spring racing carnival reaches its pinnacle, all eyes turn to Royal Randwick for the seventh running of the The Gr.1 Everest, Australia's richest race and the world's most valuable contest on turf. With A$20 million in prize money up for grabs, a stellar field of 12 sprinters is set to battle it out over 1200 metres in this unique, slot-based event.
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The 2024 edition sees the return of Giga Kick, the 2022 champion, looking to etch his name in the history books. Trainer Clayton Douglas has the five-year-old primed for a tilt at becoming only the second dual winner of the race. After a year on the sidelines, Giga Kick has shown promising form, with connections reporting, "Back after 12 months, he was eye-catching in the Gr.3 Concorde Stakes (1000m) with plenty of weight. There is more improvement to come.”
I Wish I Win, trained by the formidable partnership of Peter Moody & Katherine Coleman, returns after finishing second last year. The Trackside Media slot holder will be hoping to go one better, with jockey Luke Nolen in the saddle. The gelding's recent form suggests he's ready for the challenge, having been "only a length beaten fresh at Moonee Valley in a tight finish to the Gr.1 Moir Stakes (1000m) followed by a good third in the Gr.1 Ladbrokes Manikato (1200m) with improvement to come back in Sydney fit now."
Bella Nipotina, representing the TAB slot, brings a wealth of experience to the field. Trainer Ciaron Maher has the seven-year-old mare in fine fettle, with her recent third in the Premiere Stakes indicating she's ready for the big day. Her connections note that she "continues to show a zest for racing, including her credible third to shock winner Airman in the Gr.2 Premiere Stakes on October 6."
The field isn't short on emerging talent, with several exciting prospects making their Everest debuts. Stefi Magnetica, trained by Bjorn Baker, earned her spot with an impressive second in The Shorts. Her connections are bullish about her chances, stating, "Despite finishing second to I Am Me in The Shorts, Stefi Magnetica's closing speed and ability to compete at the highest level as a Stradbroke winner over Bella Nipotina in Brisbane during the winter make her a promising The Gr. Everest candidate."
I Am Me, another Ciaron Maher trainee, comes into the race with back-to-back wins in the Concorde Stakes and The Shorts. Her slot holders, The Star Sydney & Arrowfield Stud, are confident in her abilities, noting that she "is prepared by the in-form Ciaron Maher who is enjoying a stellar spring, is a multiple Group One placegetter, sprint specialist and has beaten plenty of these fellow The Gr.1 Everest contenders."
Adding intrigue to the race is the inclusion of two three-year-olds, Traffic Warden and Storm Boy. James Cummings' Traffic Warden, representing Godolphin, comes off a close second in the Golden Rose and will be ridden by Jamie Kah. Meanwhile, the Coolmore-owned Storm Boy, trained by the Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott partnership, drops back in trip after a fourth in the Golden Rose. His connections believe "the longer turnaround and 1200m will see him finish close again, taking on the older sprinters."
The fairer sex is well-represented in this year's field. Lady Of Camelot, last season's Golden Slipper winner, will attempt to become the first filly to claim the Gr.1 The Everest. Trainer Gai Waterhouse and co-trainer Adrian Bott have engaged Rachel King for the ride. Joliestar, Chris Waller's representative, brings Group One-winning form to the table, with the legendary trainer noting her "consistent form and ability to excel at the distance make her a strong contender for The Everest."
Sunshine In Paris, a lightly-raced mare from the Annabel Neasham & Rob Archibald stable, enters the fray on the back of a successful title defence in the Gr.2 Sheraco Stakes. Her connections are optimistic about her chances in this step up to elite company.
As the big day approaches, the atmosphere at Royal Randwick is electric. The unique slot format of the Gr.1 The Everest adds an extra layer of intrigue, with each runner representing not just their connections, but also their slot holders' investment and faith.
The race itself promises to be a thrilling spectacle, with a likely furious pace from the outset as jockeys jockey for position. The Randwick 1200m start gives every runner a fair chance, but a good break and the ability to find a position will be crucial.
With A$20 million on the line and prizemoney paid down to 12th place, every runner has something to gain. However, the prestige of winning Australia's richest race will drive these equine athletes and their human connections to push for glory.
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In a field of this quality, picking a winner is no easy task. The established stars like Giga Kick and I Wish I Win bring proven class, while the likes of Stefi Magnetica and I Am Me represent the new wave of sprinting talent. The three-year-olds Traffic Warden and Storm Boy add an x-factor, potentially ready to emulate Giga Kick's feat of winning as a sophomore.
Whatever the outcome, the Gr.1 The Everest 2024 promises to be a race for the ages, cementing its place as one of the most anticipated events on the global racing calendar. As the sun sets over Sydney on October 19, one horse will etch its name into racing folklore, claiming the lion's share of the A$20 million purse and the title of Everest champion.