The Original Slot Holder Max Whitby On Briasa's Explosive Speed
The Perfect Weapon Of Choice
When Briasa scorched up the Randwick straight last April, obliterating the opposition in the Gr.1 TJ Smith Stakes with a performance that marked him as "a perfect horse" with "a turn of foot" that can win Group Ones," Max Whitby knew he'd found his weapon for October's showdown.
The grey gelding, trained by the legendary Hawkes family, has delivered exactly what Whitby craves in the world's richest turf sprint contender. "Speed and that explosive last 200 meters, which is imperative for a race like this," he explains. With 114 ratings and the ability to run on any surface, Briasa ticks every box for the man who has waited nearly a decade for Australian racing's ultimate prize.
Through his partnership with Neil Werrett, the mastermind behind champion Black Caviar, connections with the Hawkes stable ran deep. This allowed them to move early, securing Briasa as only the second horse confirmed for the 2025 edition.
Mastering The Art Of Speed Selection
Years of near-misses and careful observation have refined Whitby's selection process to its purest essence. "Speed. No more, no less," he states emphatically. "Finishing pace, the last 200 meters, as I said before, is imperative."
His philosophy has evolved through experience. Early campaigns taught him that bloodlines are not necessarily important; they've come from everywhere. What matters is raw speed and the ability to sustain it through those crucial final furlongs where races are won and lost.
This philosophy led him directly to the 5YO gelding, whose dominant victory demonstrated that crucial turn of foot over the exact Randwick course and distance that will decide the elite Group One spectacle of Randwick. The partnership with the Hawkes family adds confidence, with John Hawkes being "a household name in racing in Australia, if not the world. His pedigree and experience in racing are above others."
The Formidable Hong Kong Challenge
Briasa's path to glory faces a formidable obstacle in Ka Ying Rising, the undefeated Hong Kong sensation who has captured global attention with his record-breaking performances. The 4YO won eight from eight during his 2024-2025 season, holds an international rating of 126 as the world's highest-rated sprinter, and heads early betting markets.
Whitby acknowledges the challenge but draws strength from home track advantage. "This horse has to travel; he has to come down to what we call Randwick. He races in a certain jurisdiction with different racing conditions."
The Last Faithful Foundation Holder
Max Whitby stands as the enduring visionary among The TAB Everest's foundation builders. This passionate owner has demonstrated unwavering commitment through nearly a decade of racing's most significant challenges and victories, establishing himself as one of the most dedicated original 2017 investors still pursuing glory in the world's richest turf race.
In a sport where loyalty often yields to pragmatism, Whitby represents something increasingly rare: unwavering belief in a concept that transformed Australian racing forever. His journey from early adopter to devoted custodian tells the story of the race itself; from ambitious experiment to global phenomenon worth A$20 million in prize money.
"I'm very proud to be a foundation slot holder," Whitby reflects with the satisfaction of the vindicated. "A lot of the major racing groups in the country and the world said it wouldn't work as a concept. I backed Peter V'landys in Racing New South Wales. Some of the big names didn't, and subsequently, they've learnt their lesson and have had to come in and negotiate."
The Everest's Unofficial Historian
Whitby has become racing's most dedicated chronicler of the race's evolution, his unique vantage point providing insights no other current slot holder possesses. He witnessed Redzel's stunning back-to-back victories in 2017-2018, watched Nature Strip finally break through after multiple attempts, and saw the shock of Giga Kick winning at massive odds before Bella Nipotina shattered the mare barrier in 2024.
His observations extend beyond individual performances to broader trends. "It's become an exciting race for the public. They get tens of thousands of people at the races... you've got a new set of eyeballs, particularly from the younger community."
The First-Hand Transformation Witness
From his insider's perspective, Whitby has observed the race's evolution in ways that only a foundation participant could. The international interest has exploded beyond initial projections, with horses now travelling from Hong Kong, and preparation strategies have been completely revolutionised.
"The Gr.1 Everest has changed over the years in how the industry prepares spring horses," he notes. The race has created what he describes as an "arms race" among owners and trainers, fundamentally altering Australian racing's competitive landscape. Prize money has escalated from the inaugural purse to today's massive windfall, while crowd attendance has transformed from uncertain experiment to guaranteed spectacle.
His observations reveal more profound structural changes. "We always felt we had more control of the race as slot holders, but it's now turned over to the owners of the horses. They seem to have the upper hand in racing terms and have more control of the negotiations." This power shift represents the race's progression from a passion project for many slot holders to a commercial enterprise for many now.
The Evolving Partnership Dynamic
Whitby's journey has evolved from a solo venture to a collaborative effort. What began as his crusade now involves carefully chosen partners who share their passion for the concept.
"When the concept came up, I just had a powerful sense it was right. I got involved immediately," he recalls. "My major racing partner, Neil Werrett, is famous for Black Caviar... He said, 'Why aren't I in it?' I said, 'Well, you're welcome to be in it,' and it grew from there."
The partnership expanded to include Colin Madden, Werrett's Victorian racing partner, and Stephen McCann, reducing Whitby's stake to a quarter. "This is about racing with passion, racing with friends, racing with the spirit," he explains. "They're excellent quality guys who meet their obligations. They were late to the party; I was first to the party."
Still Carrying The Founding Torch
The pressure of being among the last original slot holders still actively pursuing victory adds unique weight to Whitby's 2025 campaign with the son of Smart Missile.
"Well, as we say in racing, as I'm getting on in years, another tick's nice and another result's nice, the money's great. But winning is important. Doing it with your mates is important." His response reveals someone conscious of carrying the founding vision forward, representing not just personal ambition but the original dream.
Whitby is unequivocally positive about the current version of his initial vision. "I guess it's profiled Australia. It's profiled Racing New South Wales, and it's profiled everything associated with Australia: lifestyle, enthusiasm, optimism, positiveness, young people, sun, surf, the whole scenario."
At this stage of his career, Whitby's motivations transcend mere prize money, though he's realistic about the riches on offer. "Money's great. That's a big ticket, a big figure. I'm not being frivolous about that, but it costs a lot to run your business, too. I run 80-90 horses and have 50 mares and yearlings in the paddock."
As the race approaches its ninth running, Whitby serves as custodian of institutional memory that few current participants possess. His perspective on how the race has shaped modern Australian racing extends beyond prize money increases to fundamental industry transformation.
The arms race he describes encompasses every aspect of the industry. Trainers now target the race from yearling selection, owners adjust their investment strategies around slot availability, and international participants reshape their calendars around Sydney's spring carnival.
"To be able to say you're the richest race in the world on grass, that's pretty good for the land down under. I'm very proud to be an Aussie, and I'm very proud of the racing industry in Australia."
Legacy Of The Last Original Standing
As October approaches, Whitby embodies something unique in Australian racing: continuity in an era of constant change. His journey mirrors the evolution of Australian racing itself. This represents the culmination of years of obsession, potentially his final roll of the dice as racing's most enduring believer.
Yet an intriguing subplot develops for future campaigns. Whitby's own-bred Cool Archie, winner of five straight races as a 2YO, looms as a potential self-owned contender for 2026. "Next year, I have a horse who's called Cool Archie, who's won five straight races. We hope to be the 2YO of the year in Australia... I may have my force next year."
Whether Briasa can deliver that elusive victory remains to be seen. But in Max Whitby, the high-stakes AU$20m slot race has found its most enduring champion; a man whose faith in the concept has never wavered, whose passion remains undimmed, and whose pursuit of that perfect 200-metre finish continues to define the very spirit of what makes the race special.
"Winning The Gr.1 TAB Everest would be outstanding, and it'd be another cherry on the little pie of life." For the last original still standing, that cherry might finally be within reach.