Bella Nipotina Storms To Glory In Thrilling $20m The Gr.1 Everest

Williams' Tactical Masterclass From Wide Draw

The drama unfolded before the off as fancied 3YO Traffic Warden was withdrawn at the gates after playing up, but nothing could detract from a scintillating contest. Williams, reunited with Bella Nipotina after partnering with Giga Kick to Everest Glory two years ago, elected to roll forward from stall 12 and sit three wides throughout. The decision proved inspired as she hit the front halfway down the straight before digging deep to hold off the fast-finishing Giga Kick.

Maher Hails 'Career-Best' Performance

Maher was effusive in his praise for both mare and jockey: "We thought she was in career-best form. She got her conditions to suit," he said. "We said at the barrier draw she's got an uncanny knack of running very well from any gate, wide, inside, it doesn't matter. "Craig, beautiful ride, to have the balls to do that... I can't thank my team enough." Veteran broadcaster Bruce McAvaney hailed the contest as "the best Everest yet", adding: "Magnificent race! Incredible, classic run up the straight between two wonderful horses."

Experts Laud 'Breathtaking' Bella Nipotina

Channel 7 racing expert Katelyn Mallyon was equally impressed: "She is simply breathtaking this mare. She is the most genuine mare I've ever seen. "From drawing a barrier like that to be able to three-wide the trip and still fight on, a horse that had all that up the inside with Giga Kick, she deserves all of these accolades." The victory marks a career-defining moment for Bella Nipotina, cementing her status among the elite sprinters in Australia and providing a memorable climax to Randwick's showpiece meeting.