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| Staff Writer |
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Australia's richest horse race, The Everest, is galloping towards Group One classification, marking a significant milestone in the Australian racing calendar. After years of resistance from Racing Victoria, a change in leadership has paved the way for this prestigious upgrade.
A fresh set of rules for Australian group racing is being ushered in, with six races, including The Everest, set to ascend to Group One status. The lion's share of these upgrades will benefit Sydney, with five of the six races based in the Harbour City.
Joining The Everest in this elite club are the Premiere Stakes, Russell Balding Stakes, Golden Eagle, and The Shorts. Melbourne's All Star Mile completes the sextet, flying the flag for Victorian racing in this round of promotions.
Since its inception seven years ago by Racing NSW and the Australian Turf Club, The Everest has seen its prize purse double from US$6.7 million to a staggering US$13.4 million. This astronomical figure cements its status as Australia's richest race and one of the most lucrative sprints globally.
Previous winners of this 1200m sprint at Randwick include the likes of Redzel and Nature Strip, both of whom went on to achieve further Group One glory. Redzel claimed the Gr.1 Darley Classic and the Gr.1 Black Caviar Lightning, while Nature Strip's post-Everest conquests include the Gr.1 T J Smith Stakes and an international triumph in the Gr.1 King's Stand Stakes at Royal Ascot.
Last year's victor, Think About It, trained by Joe Pride, is continuing to make waves in the racing world, having recently added the Gr.2 Premiere Stakes to his growing list of accolades.
The anticipated confirmation of these upgrades is expected to be announced on Monday, hot on the heels of the Victorian spring racing carnival's kickoff at Caulfield. This development marks a significant shift in the Australian racing landscape, potentially altering the balance of power between Racing NSW and Racing Victoria.
Racing NSW chief executive Peter V'landys has long championed The Everest's cause, stating, "The Everest has revolutionised Australian racing. It's not just a race; it's a sporting event that captures the nation's attention."
On the other side of the fence, newly appointed Racing Victoria CEO Andrew Jones has taken a more conciliatory approach. "We're looking at the bigger picture," Jones commented. "Our focus is on enhancing Australian racing as a whole, and these upgrades reflect the evolving nature of our sport."
As the dust settles on this landmark decision, all eyes will be on the upcoming spring carnival to see how these newly minted Group One races will shape the future of Australian thoroughbred racing. With The Everest leading the charge, it's clear that the Australian racing landscape is set for an exciting new era.