Since its inception in 2017, The Everest has quickly established itself as one of the most prestigious and lucrative races in Australian horse racing.
Held annually at Randwick Racecourse in Sydney, it boasts the largest prize pool of any race in Australia, with a staggering $20 million up for grabs in 2024.
Despite its massive popularity and international recognition, however, one thing has eluded The Everest—Group 1 status. Now, with increasing pressure from fans, connections, and industry leaders, there is a growing movement to elevate The Everest to the elite ranks of Group 1 racing.
The Everest was designed to be a game-changer in the Australian racing landscape. Spearheaded by Racing NSW and its CEO Peter V’landys, it was created as a unique, slot-holder race modeled after the successful Pegasus World Cup in the United States.
In this format, slot holders pay a hefty fee (initially $600,000, now $700,000) for the opportunity to nominate a horse to compete. This has allowed the race to offer unprecedented prize money and attract the best sprinters from around the globe.
The concept was bold, and it paid off. The Everest quickly became one of the most anticipated races on the calendar, drawing massive crowds and generating significant betting turnover.
Its short 1200-meter distance has made it a thrilling spectacle, showcasing the world’s fastest horses, jockeys, and trainers in a high-stakes sprint.
In just a few years, the race has produced some of Australia’s most memorable racing moments, with champions like Redzel, Classique Legend, and Nature Strip etching their names in the history books.
Despite its undeniable success, The Everest remains a curious anomaly—it’s the richest race in the country, but it doesn’t hold the prestigious Group 1 status that many feel it deserves.
In horse racing, Group 1 status is the highest level of classification for races, reserved for the most elite contests in the sport. These races must meet strict criteria regarding the quality of the field, the historical significance of the race, and the overall integrity of competition.
Group 1 races are the pinnacle of achievement for horses, trainers, and connections, and winning one can greatly enhance a horse’s value, particularly in the breeding market.
In Australia, the Australian Pattern Committee is responsible for determining which races receive Group 1 status, and they are notoriously cautious when it comes to awarding this title. The committee evaluates races based on their field quality, international participation, and historical importance.
With over 70 Group 1 races on the Australian racing calendar, the committee has so far been reluctant to elevate The Everest.
There are several compelling arguments for why The Everest should be granted Group 1 status. Firstly, the race consistently attracts the best sprinters not just from Australia, but from around the world.
Horses like Nature Strip and Classique Legend have competed in the world’s top sprinting races and have been internationally recognized for their excellence.
The quality of competition in The Everest easily rivals that of any Group 1 sprint in Australia or abroad.
Secondly, the race’s massive prize pool incentivizes the very best horses to compete. In many Group 1 races, prize money can range from $1 million to $3 million, but with $20 million on the line.
The Everest outshines all other Australian races by a significant margin. It has become a race that no top trainer or owner can afford to miss.
In addition, the race has quickly become a cultural phenomenon. Within just a few years, The Everest has solidified its place in the Australian sporting landscape, regularly drawing massive crowds and media attention.
Its October timing also positions it perfectly as a lead-up to other major races like the Golden Eagle and the Melbourne Cup, making it an integral part of the spring carnival season.
However, not everyone is convinced that The Everest should be elevated to Group 1. One of the main arguments against it is its relative newness. Unlike other Group 1 races such as the Melbourne Cup or the Caulfield Guineas, which have over a century of tradition and history behind them.
The Everest is still in its infancy. Critics argue that Group 1 races should be steeped in history and tradition, which The Everest has yet to fully establish.
Another point of contention is the slot-holder format. Some purists believe that Group 1 races should be open to any horse that qualifies on merit, without the need for connections to buy their way in.
The slot system, while innovative, has drawn criticism for being overly commercialized, with detractors claiming that it undermines the integrity of the race as a true competition of the best horses.
Despite these objections, the momentum behind granting The Everest Group 1 status continues to build. Many in the racing industry believe that it is only a matter of time before the Australian Pattern Committee acknowledges the race’s significance and bestows it with the title it deserves.
As The Everest continues to grow in both popularity and prestige, it becomes harder to deny its place among the elite races in the world.
Peter V’landys, the mastermind behind the race, has been vocal in his desire for The Everest to receive Group 1 status. He argues that the quality of the race, its impact on the Australian racing scene, and the international recognition it has garnered make it a prime candidate for elevation.
As The Everest continues to carve out its place in Australian racing history, the debate over its Group 1 status remains a hot topic.
While its relative youth and unique format may give some pause, the undeniable quality of the competition, the massive prize pool, and its growing influence make a strong case for its elevation to the highest ranks of the sport.
Whether or not The Everest receives Group 1 status in the near future, one thing is certain—it has already cemented itself as one of the most exciting and prestigious races on the global racing calendar
Kurrinda Bloodstock is a leader in horse syndication, offering a range of options for both new and seasoned investors. They carefully select promising horses, manage all the logistics, and keep owners informed every step of the way.
Whether you’re looking to invest in a sprinter with stakes potential or a promising youngster gearing up for the future, Kurrinda Bloodstock has something for everyone.
As the spring carnival lights up the racing world, there’s never been a better time to become involved in horse ownership. With syndication, the dream of standing in the winner’s circle is more accessible than ever.
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Cosmic Force X Miss Marilyn Colt
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nBt772ReHjw
This Colt is by Newgate Farm’s exciting first season sire Cosmic Force, already doing a great job with only a handful of runners so far.
Producing 3 individual Stakes horses including the Blue Diamond Prelude Group 3 runner up Stay Focused and Inglis Nursery runner up Beer Baron.
His dam Miss Marilyn a winner at 1100m is a half sister to the illustrious Group 1 The Galaxy sprint winning earner of over $1.7 million Mistegic and Stakes winner of no less than 11 individual wins Rightson.
This Colt was a real standout for us at the sale from the moment we laid eyes on him we knew we were bringing him home.
He ticked a lot of boxes for us he moved effortlessly, is so well balanced and oozed class. Every time we saw him he just came out and paraded like the utmost professional.
He was presented at the Inglis Classic sale and comes off the Boutique nursery Riverstone Lodge an upbringing that will see him have every chance for success on the track.
He will be trained by Nathan Doyle in Newcastle where he will get every chance.
This Colt is eligible for the lucrative Inglis race series and BOBS bonus scheme.
To view all available horse racing syndcates visit http://www.kbloodstock.com.au
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ui4W3O6Ua8&t=10s
This colt is by the Group 1 producing sire Star Turn and out of the Fastnet Rock mare Bleue Pepite who has already produced top quality racehorses including the $400k earner and 6 time winner Ruban Bleu as well as 5 time winner La Defense.
Bleue Pepite is a half sister to the Group 3 winning mare Think Bleue.
This Colt is extremely well balanced and a showed a fantastic willing workmanlike attitude. He was well put together with plenty of scope.
He will be trained by leading Queensland trainer Stuart Kendrick out of his state of the art Sunshine Coast facilities. He is eligible for the Magic Millions race series as well as both the lucrative BOBS and QTIS bonus schemes.
Trusted syndicators like Kurrinda Bloodstock, with their industry expertise and proven track record, make this dream achievable for aspiring owners by offering affordable ownership opportunities and a rewarding racehorse ownership experience.
To check out all of Kurrinda Bloodstock’s exciting ownership opportunities visit https://kbloodstock.com.au
https://kbloodstock.com.au/our-horses/tagaloa-x-jasmine-wind/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0F07Qza1EHc
This Filly is by Yulong Stud’s exciting young sire Tagaloa and out of the Sebring mare Jasmine Wind. Tagaloa was an impressive winner of the 2 year old Group 1 Blue Diamond Stakes at 1200m.
A race with a rich history for producing top class stallions including Redoute’s Choice, Extreme Choice and Written By.
This Fillies dam Jasmine Wind has a pedigree littered with black type being a sister to no less than three individual stakes performers and is a from a family we know quite well.
Tagaloa has been heavily supported by the industry with some of the best judges around securing them.
This Filly was one of the best moving fillies at the Magic Millions Adelaide sale, she is a very athletic individual, well balanced and covers the ground with ease.
She oozed class and showed a fantastic attitude throughout, we quickly zone in on her as the filly of the sale.
This Filly will be trained by Mitch Freedman Racing. Mitch is one of the hottest up and coming trainers in Australia with the likes of Group 1 performers Attrition and Skybird.
This filly will be trained out of the state of the art Ballarat facilities and will have every chance.
This Filly is eligible for the lucrative Magic Millions race series and VOBIS bonus scheme.
Could this filly be a future star?
Kurrinda Bloodstock Syndications stands out as a trusted and proven syndicator in the world of Australian horse racing.
With a reputation built on integrity, transparency, and success, Kurrinda Bloodstock offers everyday racing enthusiasts the opportunity to own a share in a racehorse and be part of something extraordinary.
What makes Kurrinda unique is not just their ability to source quality horses, but their commitment to making the ownership experience enjoyable and rewarding for all their clients.
The team at Kurrinda Bloodstock understands that owning a racehorse is not just about financial investment; it’s about the emotional journey, the thrill of competition, and the bonds formed along the way.
They take the time to educate their owners, ensuring that everyone involved understands the process, the risks, and the potential rewards.
This approach has helped Kurrinda build a loyal and enthusiastic community of owners who share in the highs and lows of the sport
PO Box 3105
Thornton NSW 2322
1300 587 746
office@kbloodstock.com.au
