The Melbourne Cup has been covered extensively here: Not only is it considered to be Australia’s most important horse race, it’s one of the biggest race events anywhere in the world.
Across the country in Sydney, The Melbourne Cup has a younger rival. First run in 2017 and known simply as The Everest, this event is attracting huge attention within Australia. It’s yet to command such widespread popularity in other parts of the world, but all that could change from this year’s renewal.
Background and Format
The Everest stands out simply because of the colossal prize fund that is involved. It is the richest horse race in Australia and the richest turf race in the world. The 2021 renewal is scheduled for Saturday October 16th where 12 horses will compete for prize money totalling a staggering $15 million AUD.
Randwick Race Course in Sydney is the venue, and The Everest is run across 1200 metres of this famous track. The field of 12 is restrictive, and there are some good reasons for that. This is a very exclusive event, and anyone looking to compete must pay a prohibitive entry fee of $600,000.
It is, therefore, something of a gamble for the owners who put up that kind of fee. A top three finish would bring a handsome return on that investment but the trailing horses may make it a very expensive afternoon for their respective stables.
Runners and Riders
Such a notorious event will also attract huge interest from among the betting community. Like the Melbourne Cup, the markets will be published some time ahead of the event and websites such as sbo.net will have a range of odds from a wide set of sports bookmakers.
As The Everest draws closer, the field will be confirmed and those markets will be updated to reflect any changing prices. Sbo.net also keep their readers up to date with news articles and opinion pieces related to the event and the wider horse racing world.
To fully appreciate this website’s potential, readers should also consider registering with one of the recommended bookmakers listed. Many have welcome package offers in place, and effective customer service and a selection of funding options should always be available.
It’s early days at the time of writing but the betting for the 2021 renewal of The Everest is already starting to take shape. Currently it’s tight at the top with Nature Strip and Classique Legend listed as joint favourites. Masked Crusader, Stay Inside, Anamoe and Lost and Running are among those who are challenging the leaders.
Over 50 horses are currently listed on the Everest markets but clearly not all of those will be in attendance. The field will come down to 12 ahead of October 16th so the markets will need to be watched closely.
The Future for the Everest
The race organisers will be keen for The Everest to be granted Group One status soon. At present, it is held under special conditions as it does not meet the requirements to be classed.
That situation may change in years to come with many involved in the sport urging the authorities to reconsider. Top trainer Anthony Cummings saddled his first runner in the 2021 edition of The Everest and stated that it was ‘ridiculous’ that the race wasn’t officially considered as a Group One.
Cummings believes that, as the highest ranking sprint in the sport, the time has come for proper recognition.
As a spectacle, The Everest may lack the drama and thrills of its rival the Melbourne Cup. It’s a sprint over the flat and, with a restricted field of 12, there is less room for tight finishes in the final straight.
Perhaps the field could be expanded in the future but the high entry fee may have to be relaxed in order for that to happen. For now, The Everest is a freak in the racing world with that entry requirement and the phenomenal prize fund. It does, however, attract a high-class field and is worth looking out for.
Suzanne Ashton, Founder of Everything Horse (Est, 2012), has a BA Hons in Marketing Management and a Diploma in Equine Science. Suzanne has ridden and owned horses all her life and has twelve years of experience in marketing, writing, design, SEO, and website creation.