For racing fans in Sydney, Everest at Royal Randwick – now officially a Group 1 race – is the sporting equivalent of Christmas Day.
Worth a whopping $20 million – including $7 million in prize money for the winner alone – nearly 50,000 people are tipped to burst through the gate on Saturday.
The race itself – a 1200m sprint – 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 in the saddle – also looks hard to beat.
Here’s what you need to know about the Everest 2024 runners.
This year’s Everest field (barrier in brackets)
1. I wish I won (9)
Jockey: Luke Nolen
Trainers: Peter Moody and Katherine Coleman
Best odds: $6
The low point: an excellent sprinter who was close to winning this race last year and can enter the field late. Pre-race favorite for good reason.
2. Gigakick (3)
Jockey: Mark Zahra
Coach: Clayton Douglas
Best odds: $14
The lowdown: 2022 Everest winner, elite hooper in Mark Zahra. Price looks juicy.
3. Private Detective (10)
Jockey: Jay Ford
Coach: Joseph Pride
Best odds: $26
The low: Difficult barrier, prefer others.
Champion jockey James McDonald will be aboard Joliestar in the Everest at Royal Randwick
The Group 1 1200m race is worth a whopping $20 million, including $7 million in prize money for the winner
4. Bella Nipotina (12)
Jockey: Craig Williams
Coach: Ciaron Maher
Best odds: $8.50
The low point: One of Australia’s best sprinters, but the barrier is a major problem. Prefer the place.
5. I am me (1)
Jockey: Nash Rawiller
Coach: Ciaron Maher
Best odds: $17
The low point: She will likely be outclassed in the quality field.
6. Stefi Magnetica (6)
Jockey: Zac Lloyd
Trainer: Bjorn Baker
Best odds: $14
The low: Rising mare, jockey also someone to watch.
7. Sunshine in Paris (8)
Jockey: Tommy Berry
Trainers: Annabel Neasham and Rob Archibald
Best odds: $9
The Low: Needs to come into the mix late, commands serious respect.
8. Joliestar (4)
Jockey: James McDonald
Coach: Chris Waller
Best odds: $6
The lowdown: It seems hard to beat, especially with “J-Mac” on board.
Royal Randwick sold out earlier this week, with more than 50,000 fans expected to attend the circuit (pictured, racegoers last month)
A day at Royal Randwick is guaranteed to offer plenty of color (photo, enthusiastic punters along the track)
9. Growing empire (7)
Jockey: Kerrin McEvoy
Coach: Ciaron Maher
Best odds: $9
The lowdown: Talented stallion and jockey Kerrin McEvoy loves the big occasion: he’s a three-time Everest winner.
10. Traffic controller (2)
Jockey: Jamie Kah
Coach: James Cummings
Best odds: $8
The low: Ideal gate, strong preparation. Don’t reject.
11. Storm Boy (5)
Jockey: Brenton Avdulla
Trainer: Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott
Best odds: $12
The low: Inconsistent colt – but if he jumps well, can be difficult to run down.
12. Lady of Camelot (11)
Jockey: Rachel King
Trainer: Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott
Best odds: $41
The low point: winner of the Golden Slipper last year – and that will probably remain her career highlight.
These are the coveted trophy owners and jockeys being competed for at Royal Randwick on Saturday
What is the start time?
The horses are expected to jump the barriers on Saturday afternoon AEDT at 4.15pm, as the seventh race of a 10-strong card.
Where can I view Everest if I don’t have a ticket?
Channel 7 will broadcast the race on free-to-air TV, with coverage also on Sky Racing.
7 Plus is a streaming option.
How much does the winner get?
Total prize money for Everest remains $20 million, retaining its place as the world’s richest grass race.
The winner will take home a whopping $7 million, including $2.9 million for the number two and $2 million for the third. Those who finish between 7th and 12th place will receive $700,000 each.
Everest: winners from the past
2017 – Redzel
2018 – Redzel
2019 – Yes Yes Yes
2020 – Classic Legend
2021 – Nature strip
2022 – Big kick
2023 – Think about it