NATURE STRIP winning the 2021 Everest
THE EVEREST DAY
Australia’s biggest race day, in terms of prize money, is now Everest Day at Randwick where Sydney has an incredible AU$31.6 million up for grabs. Even though the Everest has only been in existence since 2017, it has already established itself as a global sprint race to savour and a much cherished prize. With its unique style, slot-holders own the entry ticket and then negotiation leads to which horses run, therefore there so many stories which emanate.
In 2023, the day has been increased in quality with the newly named G1 King Charles III Stakes (1600m) worth AU$5m. On top of that, there are three G3s on the racecard including the Sydney Stakes (1200m), the Gloaming Stakes (1800m) and the Angst Stakes (1600m). AU$2m The Kosciuszko (1200m) for horses trained in country areas of NSW and the Silver Eagle (1300m) which is the lead up to the Golden Eagle just keep the day rolling.
The world’s richest Sprint event
For the first time, the Everest is being run for AU$20m making it one of the richest events run around the world. 12 of the best sprinters globally will clash over the 1200m and there is a real changing of the guard. More than half of the field from 2022 won’t be there with some all-time favourites retiring such as previous winner NATURE STRIP. Will it be the 3YOs again using their weight advantage or a tough bulldog coming out of WFA contests?
I WISH I WIN could be fighting out another big Randwick race
Major contenders in The Everest
It looked as though the field was taking shape with a degree of formality until the defending champion GIGA KICK was ruled out of the Spring on Saturday 23 September and other horses thought to be certainties to be slotted maybe not measuring up. It is highly likely that only few horses will run in the 2023 Everest that contested race the year before.
I WISH I WIN who came from behind GIGA KICK to score in the time honoured G1 T J Smith Stakes in the Autumn, confirmed to take part in the race. There will also be horses who have really sprung into life over the last 12 months such as THINK ABOUT IT who won 9 of his first 10 starts and the consistent mare ESPIONA.
I WISH I WIN could be fighting out another big Randwick race
Zac Purton is aiming to ride at Randwick on the Everest Day
HK Champion Zac Purton secures rides on the Everest Day
The champion rider of Hong Kong Zac Purton is on course to be the rider of European import LIGHT INFANTRY MAN in the G1 King Charles III Stakes. LIGHT INFANTRY MAN transfers to Ciaron Maher & David Eustace when in Australia. He may also be on IN SECRET for Godolphin in The Everest.
Kerrin McEvoy has an incredible record in The Everest
King of The Everest – Kerrin McEvoy
Kerrin McEvoy has been the King of The Everest winning half of them contested. He won the first two on REDZEL and then two years later with CLASSIQUE LEGEND who would head to Hong Kong after his big win then ended up back in Australia. He is also the only rider to have taken his place in every one of the six Everests. The three time Everest-winning jockey has been booked to ride SHINZO. Next best with five is Tim Clark along with current Hong Kong based jockeys Brenton Avdulla and Hugh Bowman. Hugh Bowman will return to Randwick and ride for ESPIONA.
Kerrin McEvoy has an incredible record in The Everest
