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| Staff Writer |
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The Sydney Everest Carnival galloped into action at Royal Randwick on 21 September, 2024, with a star-studded card that set the tone for nine weeks of top-class racing. With US$57.5 million in prizemoney up for grabs, including the US$13.2 million Gr.1 TAB Everest, Australia's richest race on turf, the stage is set for a thrilling season.
James McDonald stole the show, piloting four winners on the day in a display of riding excellence. The Kiwi jockey's masterclass began with a confident steer aboard the unbeaten Autumn Glow in the Gr.2 Darley Tea Rose Stakes, setting the stage for his dominant afternoon.
Trainer Chris Waller wasn't to be outdone, saddling three winners of his own. The maestro's touch was evident as Mchale, Autumn Glow, and Fangirl all found their way to the winner's enclosure. Autumn Glow's Tea Rose triumph was particularly impressive, as the filly made it three from three despite doing all the work outside the leader.
The US$660,000 Yarraman Park Shorts saw I Am Me live up to her name, scorching down the Randwick straight in a blistering display of raw speed. Not to be outdone, Fangirl put on a show of her own in the US$660,000 7+ Sport Stakes, looping the field with a devastating turn of foot.
While McDonald and Waller dominated proceedings, other jockeys and trainers made their mark. Tim Clark and apprentice Zac Lloyd both secured doubles, with Clark piloting El Castello and Eliyass to victory, while Lloyd struck gold with Perennial and Floating. The training partnership of Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott continued their fine form, sending out Eliyass and Moravia to success.
The Gr.2 Tea Rose Stakes has a rich history of producing top-class fillies. Previous winners include the likes of Guelph, who went on to claim four Group One victories, and Funstar, who added the Flight Stakes to her resume. Autumn Glow's dominant display suggests she could be the next star to emerge from this prestigious contest.
As the dust settles on a memorable Surf To Turf Day, attention now turns to Rosehill Gardens for next Saturday's Golden Rose Day. With the Gr.1 Golden Rose Stakes as the centrepiece, racing fans can expect another day of high-octane action as the Sydney Everest Carnival continues to gather momentum.