The TAB Everest at Royal Randwick has quickly established itself as one of Australia’s major sporting spectacles and today it attracted the biggest crowd in half a century.
This afternoon’s sixth running produced an amazing result when three-year-old Giga Kick ($21) maintained his unbeaten record by storming over the top of his rivals to claim the $6.2 million first prize.
Today’s official attendance was 46,221.
Australian Turf Club Chief Executive Jamie Barkley said Royal Randwick’s modern-day record crowd – the biggest in many decades – has established The TAB Everest as Sydney’s major day of racing.
“Royal Randwick has hosted its biggest and best day of racing in modern history. The buzz and atmosphere of the crowd was electric from before the first race and right through the day," Mr Barkley said.
“Royal Randwick has never heard or felt such a roar with a fantastic atmosphere and this exciting raceday is now cemented as one of the best days of the Sydney spring.
“The noise from the crowd as the gates opened for The TAB Everest has set a new benchmark in the raceday experience.’’
TAB Everest week was heralded by a spectacular drone show on Sydney Harbour and interest in the race has been at fever pitch leading into today’s meeting on a picture-perfect afternoon.
TAB Everest Day also attracted strong international interest with today’s coverage beamed to nearly 70 different countries around the globe via Sky Racing.
Tabcorp Managing Director & CEO, Adam Rytenskild, said: “The TAB Everest Raceday is one of the world's great race meetings.
“Every year this race seizes the attention of racing fans and the broader public, and we are proud to have brought the $15 million sprint to audiences throughout Australia and the world through Sky Racing.
“Congratulations to the connections of Giga Kick and to TAB punters who won on the race. We can't wait to grow this race again next year."