Ball Of Muscle | Winner of the 2018 G2 Schillachi S.
The Melbourne Racing Club will host the first win and you’re in sprint ahead of the TAB Everest $14 million feature at Randwick in October, after a sale of the Australian Turf Club's slot was announced.
The winner of the G2 Schillaci S. a week before the Everest on G1 Caulfield Guineas day will take the slot held by the Australian Jockey Club (ATC).
Following a tender process, Racing New South Wales and the ATC awarded the slot forfeited by Jadeskye Racing to the global thoroughbred giant Godolphin, but at the same time recognised the MRC’s effort.
The MRC’s Everest approach will take the shape of qualifying races for the Schillaci, the lead-up including the Listed Regal Roller S. on August 17, the G3 The Heath on August 31 and the Listed Testa Rossa S. on September 29.
Ball Of Muscle winning the 2018 G2 Schillachi S.
“We believe that forging a partnership of this kind with the Australian Turf Club around the Everest and the Stella Artois Caulfield Cup Carnival will generate significant interest and value for Australian racing as a whole,” MRC Chief Executive Officer Josh Blanksby said.
“From an MRC perspective, connecting the Schillaci to the Everest, will see an increased interest in racing on Ladbrokes Caulfield Guineas Day, as well as the lead-up races preceding it.
“This concept breaks down barriers by fostering collaboration, embracing two great racing carnivals to benefit the entire industry, our members, participants, fans and punters.
“This concept breaks down barriers by fostering collaboration, embracing two great racing carnivals to benefit the entire industry, our members, participants, fans and punters.” – Josh Blanksby.
“The MRC is and always has been a forward-thinking club that looks for ways to embrace the competition to the benefit of our members and the sport of horse racing generally.”
Racing NSW Chief Executive Peter V’landys said the slot tenders lodged were strong and extremely competitive, both in terms of price and the benefit that the tenderers could add to The Everest.
“Ultimately, the slot available through the tender process has been granted to Godolphin, the world’s largest and most successful owner of thoroughbred horses and its support and promotion of thoroughbred racing in Australia and internationally is unrivalled.
“Further, as the tender by the Melbourne Racing Club was so strong, we and our partners the Australian Turf Club wanted to explore every option for it to be part of The Everest in 2019.”
ATC Chairman Matt McGrath said it was an ideal outcome.
“We are pleased to provide the Melbourne Racing Club the opportunity to be part of The Everest for 2019.
“We are pleased to provide the Melbourne Racing Club the opportunity to be part of The Everest for 2019.” – Matt McGrath.
“As host of the event and also a slot holder, we are always open to consider providing great partners with the opportunity to assume our slot.
2018 Everest celebrations
“The Australian Turf Club welcomes the partnership for 2019 with the Melbourne Racing Club through their Chairman Peter Le Grand and Chief Executive Officer Josh Blanksby.
“Australian racing will benefit greatly with a super race day featuring The Everest at Royal Randwick and the Caulfield Cup at Caulfield Racecourse and we look forward to forging a stronger relationship beyond 2019 with the Melbourne Racing Club.”
The first two editions of The Everest, to be held on the same day as the G1 Caulfield Cup on October 19, have been won by Redzel (Snitzel) with trainers Peter and Paul Snowden chasing a hat-trick with the star sprinter.
