V'landys Rules: The Everest now a Grp 1

[Chief Stipe]

The Everest, All Star Mile get Group 1 status

www.racenet.com.au

THE $20 million TAB Everest has been given Group 1 status in time for next week's running of the world's richest turf race.

After years of lobbying by Racing NSW, The Everest has finally been given due recognition for the significance and the impact it has had on Australian and world racing.

Racing Australia chief executive Paul Eriksson confirmed The Everest's elevation to Group 1 status was with immediate effect, ahead of the race being run at Royal Randwick on October 19.

Eriksson said a review of Australian Black Type guidelines for feature races is underway but, as a priority, The Everest and Victoria's autumn carnival feature, the All Star Mile, have been upgraded to Group 1 and ratified internationally.

The Everest, which was introduced in 2017, has established itself as the world's premier sprint race even though it did not hold Group 1 status, the classification given to the highest level of thoroughbred races.

Peter V'landys has been the driving force behind The Everest Picture: Jonathan Ng

Racing Victoria had previously vetoed attempts to elevate The Everest to Group 1 status despite the Royal Randwick sprint consistently rating among the nation's highest races.

But there is a new era of co-operation between the racing administrators in Victoria and NSW that has seemingly ended the sport's "Cold War" and led to The Everest upgrade.

Racing NSW chief executive Peter V'landys was the driving force behind The Everest's introduction which was designed to be a focal point of a new and expanded Sydney spring carnival.

The Everest's slot race concept has investors buying a starting position, valued this year at $700,000, and then looking to find a suitable sprinter to contest the lucrative Randwick sprint.

When The Everest was first run, it had $10 million prizemoney but that has since doubled as the race each year has attracted bumper crowds to Randwick, attracted worldwide interest in Sydney racing, and huge increases in wagering turnover.

Godolphin trainer James Cummings is aiming for his first The Everest win with crack colt Traffic Warden next week and welcomed the race's elevation to Group 1 status.

Trainer Adrian Bott said The Everest is the nation's premier sprint event and deserves group 1 status Picture: Jeremy Ng/Getty Images

"This will give The Everest the recognition it deserves,'' Cummings said.

"We have been approaching the race with all the respect of a Group 1 and now it is official.''

Trainer Adrian Bott, who is preparing Lady Of Camelot and possibly Storm Boy for next week's race, said The Everest is regarded as the nation's premier sprint.

"The depth and quality of The Everest fields since the race's inception has been of Group 1 quality and it is important the race is recognized as a Group 1,'' Bott said.

"We hope to have two runners in the race including Lady Of Camelot, the Golden Slipper winner who will be ridden by Rachel King.

"Coolmore (slot-holder and owner) is weighing what the best options are for Storm Boy and Brenton Avdulla is on standby for the ride.''

Coolmore's Tom Magnier, who is yet to decide if Storm Boy runs in next week's big race, said The Everest's elevation to Group 1 status is a "fantastic endorsement of the race".

"Australia produces the best sprinters in the world as seen at Royal Ascot and here,'' Magnier said.

"It's great for racing and I congratulate and thank everyone involved.''

Coolmore's Tom Magnier has spoken glowingly about The Everest being elevated to Group 1 standing Picture: Justin Lloyd

Bjorn Baker, trainer of The Everest hopeful Stefi Magnetica, said "The Everest is a such a prestigious race now and it had been a Group 1 race in everything but name only.''

"This announcement has been long overdue because The Everest always rates extremely well and it is such a special race, it already stands alone,'' Baker said.

"Stefi Magnetica is going really well and it is so exciting to be a part of The Everest next week but I know one thing, it will be harder to win than most Group 1 races, that's for sure.''

The Everest is also expected to sit comfortably among the world's top 100 Group 1 races next year which means it will be included in the World (Betting) Pool, administered by the Hong Kong Jockey Club.

The World Pool gives punters around the world the opportunity to bet into a single, multi-million dollar wagering pool, returning substantial fees to the Australian Turf Club as host of The Everest meeting.