Racing NSW and the Australian Turf Club are accepting bids for slot licenses for the inaugural A$10-million The Everest, which is set for Oct. 14 at Randwick. The licenses, which cost A$600,000 per year, will be sold on a commitment to the first three years of the race, as well as an option for a slot in the 2020 renewal.
“There has been massive interest in The Everest,” said Racing NSW Chief Executive Peter V'landys. “Interested bidders should act quickly. By the amount of calls I have received from interested parties, I believe the slots will go very quickly.”
While parties making early bids are best-placed to secure a spot, Racing NSW and the ATC may grant slot licenses at their discretion.
Announced in February, The Everest follows the mould of the Stronach Group's GI Pegasus World Cup, worth $12-million and first contested in January. There are 12 slots available for purchase by individuals, syndicates or organizations. Slot holders may run their own horse, partner with the owners of a race contender or sell their slot at a price negotiated by them. The Everest will be run over 1200 metres under weight for age conditions, and will be the world's richest race over that distance and the richest turf race.
Australian Turf Club Chief Executive Officer Darren Pearce said he expects bids from outside Australia.
“The international interest in the race has been tremendous,” Pearce noted. “Just this morning it was pleasing to hear leading U.S. trainer Wesley Ward say that everyone in U.S. racing circles are aware of The Everest.”
Click here for a TDN Q&A with Peter V'landys about The Everest.
Bookmakers are listing former champion sprinter Chautauqua (Aus) (Encosta de Lago {Aus}) and G1 Golden Rose S. winner Astern (Aus) (Medaglia d'Oro) at around 8-1 for The Everest, while Winx (Aus) (Street Cry {Ire}) is still quoted by some at as low as 7-1. Dual Group 1 runner-up Spieth (NZ) (Thorn Park {Aus}) is also as low as 8-1, while Group 1-winning 3-year-olds Flying Artie (Aus) (Artie Schiller) and Extreme Choice (Aus) (Not A Single Doubt {Aus}) are in the low double-digits.
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