RACING FORUM

Posted: **Thu Feb 02, 2017 0:19 am**

Racing NSW and the Australian Turf Club yesterday announced the launch of The Everest, an exciting new race with prize money of $10 million. This not only makes it the richest 1200 metre race in the world but also the richest turf race in the world. The Everest will be run at under weight-for-age conditions at Royal Randwick racecourse over 1200 metres for the first time on 14 October 2017 and thereafter on the second Saturday of October each year. The Everest will be unique in Australian racing in that the race will be open to local and international buyers to purchase a place (slot) in the race at a price of $600,000. Twelve slots will be sold in The Everest through an expression of interest entitling the owner of the slot an entry in the field. The owners of these slots will be able to trade their position or alternatively partner with owners not holding a slot to enter a horse in the final field for the race. The prize money pool is to be fully-funded from subscribers and additional revenues generated from the event. Australian Turf Club Chief Executive Officer, Darren Pearce said: "Sydney racing is going from strength to strength, and The Everest furthers our goal to attract a global audience, whilst providing Sydney with a massive draw card in the Spring."