Australia’s two richest races have headlined the biggest Everest Carnival on record and brought the eyes of the world to Sydney racing over the past eight weeks at Royal Randwick and Rosehill Gardens.
A record and sold-out crowd of 49,117 people were at Royal Randwick to witness Bella Nipotina win the Group 1 $20 million TAB Everest – the pinnacle event of the Sydney Everest Carnival from 21 September to 9 November.
Internationally-renowned trainer William Haggas and UK jockey Cieron Fallon combined to win the $10 million James Squire Golden Eagle, beating another northern hemisphere visitor, the French galloper Lazzat.
More than $85 million prizemoney was won including in 38 Group (seven Group 1) and Listed races, and 21 races offered $1,000,000 or more in prizemoney.
Australian Turf Club Head of Racing and Wagering Nevesh Ramdhani said the 2024 Sydney Everest Carnival had succeeded across all measures.
“The 2024 Sydney Everest Carnival has grown and broken new ground in establishing the Sydney Spring as one of the world’s best racing events,’’ Mr Ramdhani said.
“TAB Everest Day at Royal Randwick was sold out days in advance and continues to attract new and young fans to the track, creating an electric atmosphere and unrivalled raceday experience.
“Group 1 status being given to the TAB Everest has solidified its place as the world’s best sprint along with being the world’s richest race on turf.
“We have seen increased interest from international stables in the UK, France and Japan as the James Squire Golden Eagle grows as a unique and world-class race.
“The emergence of the Joe Pride trained Ceolwulf in winning the big Royal Randwick Spring mile double in the TAB Epsom and King Charles III stakes was just one of many highlights on the track.’’
Some of the key moments and milestones were:
- Ceolwulf (TAB Epsom & King Charles III at Royal Randwick) trained by Joe Pride and ridden by Chad Schofield as the only multiple Group 1 winner
- Group 1 wins: Broadsiding (James Cummings/James McDonald James Squire Golden Rose), Land Legend (Chris Waller/Reece Jones James Squire Metropolitan), Lady Shenandoah (Chris Waller/Zac Lloyd Darley Flight Stakes), Bella Nipotina (Ciaron Maher/Craig Williams TAB Everest and El Castello (Anthony Cummings/Josh Parr Moet & Chandon Spring Champion Stakes)
- MULTIPLE GROUP 1 WINNING JOCKEY: Chad Schofield (2).
- MULTIPLE GROUP 1 WINNING TRAINERS: Joseph Pride (2), Chris Waller (2).