For Sydney racing fans, the Everest at Royal Randwick, now officially a Group 1 race, is the sporting equivalent of Christmas Day.
Worth $20 million, including $7 million in prizes for the winner alone, nearly 50,000 people are expected to stream through the doors on Saturday.
The race itself, a sprint over 1200m, is an open affair this year, with the Peter Moody-trained I Wish I Win ($5.50) the early favorite ahead of Chris Waller’s Joliestar ($6).
James Cummings’ Traffic Warden ($8), with Jamie Kah at the helm, also looks hard to beat.
Here’s what you need to know about the Everest 2024 runners.
This year’s Everest course (barrier in parentheses)
1. I wish I won (9)
Rider: Luke Nolen
Coaches: Peter Moody and Katherine Coleman
Best odds: $6
The truth: an exceptional sprinter who came close to winning this race last year and can jump into the field late. Pre-race favorite for a reason.
2. Giga kick (3)
Rider: Mark Zahra
Coach: Clayton Douglas
Best odds: $14
The truth: 2022 Everest winner, elite basketball in Mark Zahra. The price seems juicy.
3. Private detective (10)
Rider: Jay Ford
Coach: Joseph Pride
Best odds: $26
The truth: complicated barrier, I prefer others.
Champion jockey James McDonald will be aboard Joliestar on Everest at Royal Randwick
The Group 1 race over 1200m is worth a whopping $20 million, including $7 million in prize money for the winner.
4. Bella Nipotina (12)
Rider: Craig Williams
Coach: Ciaron Maher
Best Odds: $8.50
The truth: One of Australia’s best sprinters, but the barrier is a big concern. Prefers the place.
5. I am me (1)
Rider: Nash Rawiller
Coach: Ciaron Maher
Best odds: $17
The truth: it is likely that the quality field will see it surpassed.
6. Stefi Magnetic (6)
Rider: Zac Lloyd
Coach: Bjorn Baker
Best odds: $14
The truth: Rising mare, the rider is also someone to watch.
7. Sun in Paris (8)
Rider: Tommy Berry
Coaches: Annabel Neasham and Rob Archibald
Best odds: $9
The truth: he should be in the mix late, he commands great respect.
8. Joliestar (4)
Rider: James McDonald
Coach: Chris Waller
Best odds: $6
The truth: It seems hard to beat, especially with ‘J-Mac’ on board.
Royal Randwick sold out earlier this week and more than 50,000 fans are expected to descend on the track (pictured, racegoers last month).
A day at Royal Randwick guarantees plenty of color (pictured: enthusiastic punters trackside)
9. Growing Empire (7)
Rider: Kerrin McEvoy
Coach: Ciaron Maher
Best odds: $9
The truth: Talented colt and jockey Kerrin McEvoy loves a big occasion – he’s won the Everest three times.
10. Traffic warden (2)
Rider: Jamie Kah
Coach: James Cummings
Best odds: $8
The truth: ideal door, good preparation. Don’t rule it out.
11. The Storm Boy (5)
Rider: Brenton Avdulla
Coach: Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott
Best odds: $12
The truth: Inconsistent colt, but if he jumps well, he could be difficult to run over.
12. Lady of Camelot (11)
Rider: Rachel King
Coach: Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott
Best odds: $41
The truth: He won the Golden Slipper last year, and that will likely remain the highlight of his career.
This is the coveted trophy that owners and jockeys will compete for on Saturday at Royal Randwick
What is the start time?
The horses are expected to jump the barriers at 4.15pm on Saturday afternoon AEDT, as the seventh race of a 10-entry card.
Where can I see Everest if I don’t have a ticket?
Channel 7 will broadcast the race on open television, with coverage also on Sky Racing.
7 Plus is a streaming option.
How much does the winner get?
The total prize money for Everest remains at $20 million, maintaining its place as the richest grass race in the world.
The winner will take home a cool $7 million, $2.9 million for second place and $2 million for third place. Those who place between 7th and 12th will receive $700,000 each.
Everest: previous winners
2017 – Redzel
2018 – Redzel
2019 – Yes Yes Yes
2020 – Classic Legend
2021 – Nature Strip
2022 – Giga Kick
2023 – Think about it
