 |
|
| Staff Writer |
 |
Racing insiders are buzzing with anticipation as The Everest, Australia's richest turf race, stands on the cusp of achieving coveted Group One status. With the eighth running of this US$14 million spectacle fast approaching, the stage is set for a momentous leap in prestige for the Randwick showpiece.
Whispers from the corridors of power suggest that the long-awaited upgrade could be confirmed mere days before the October 19 extravaganza. Racing NSW chief Peter V'landys and his Racing Victoria counterpart Aaron Morrison have been burning the midnight oil, collaborating tirelessly to secure this elite classification for both The Everest and Victoria's All-Star Mile.
Since its inception in 2017, The Everest has rapidly established itself as a magnet for Australia's sprinting elite. The honour roll reads like a who's who of turf titans, with Nature Strip and Giga Kick among those etching their names in racing folklore. Nature Strip, the 2021 victor, went on to conquer Royal Ascot's Gr.1 King's Stand Stakes, while Giga Kick's 2022 triumph catapulted him to stardom.
The Everest's innovative slot race format has revolutionised the Australian racing landscape. Slot holders invest US$400,000 for a place in the starting gates, creating a unique blend of high-stakes drama and tactical intrigue. 9; This format has not only captured the imagination of racing enthusiasts but has also drawn international attention to Sydney's spring carnival.
As the racing world holds its breath, all eyes are now on the Asian Pattern Committee. Their administrative approval is the final piece of the puzzle, with a decision expected imminently. Should the green light be given, The Everest will join the ranks of Australia's most prestigious races, cementing its place among the global elite.
Trainer Chris Waller, whose charges have tasted Everest glory, shared his thoughts on the potential upgrade: "It's a testament to the race's quality and the vision of Racing NSW. The Everest has already proven itself on the world stage, and Group One status would be a fitting recognition of its importance to our racing calendar."
The potential elevation of The Everest to Group One status is not just a win for the race itself, but a significant boost for Australian racing as a whole. It would further solidify Sydney's spring carnival as a must-attend event on the global racing calendar, attracting even more international interest and investment.
As the clock ticks down to this year's renewal, the anticipation is palpable. With or without the Group One label, The Everest is set to deliver another thrilling spectacle. But should the upgrade be confirmed, it will add an extra layer of prestige to what is already one of the most eagerly awaited events in world racing.