The Star was a foundation slotholder for the race, selecting Redkirk Warrior (GB) (Notnowcato {GB}) (10th) in the inaugural running of the race in 2017 before Shoals (Fastnet Rock) (11th) represented it in the 2018 edition.
This year The Star has selected one of the most exciting horses in the country in Arcadia Queen.
A winner of five of her six starts, the most recent a Group 1 win in the Kingston Town Classic at Ascot last December, Arcadia Queen has now joined the stables of Chris Waller after taking her considerable talents across the Nullarbor.
Her owner, WA's biggest and most successful in Bob Peters, made an early call that he wanted his star mare to contest The Everest along with stablemate Enticing Star (Testa Rossa).
Stablemate Enticing Star will also contest The Everest
"Although The Star had a number of options for The Everest this year, we knew Bob Peters was looking to secure at least two horses," Michael Hodgson, GM Tourism, F&B, Strategy & Partnerships at The Star Entertainment Group told TDN AusNZ.
"Having been such an integral part of the racing industry nationally, and an icon in Western Australia, The Star recognised there was an opportunity to bring the magnificent Arcadia Queen across for this race."
"Having been such an integral part of the racing industry nationally, and an icon in Western Australia, The Star recognised there was an opportunity to bring the magnificent Arcadia Queen across for this race." - Michael Hodgson
Selecting a horse is just one aspect of the slotholder process, one which The Star has previously relied heavily upon Arrowfield chairman John Messara for guidance. But the most important part is getting the deal done with the owner.
At the time of the negotiation with Peters in June, the slots were already starting to fill up with five leading contenders already locked away, so both sides were keen to get things moving.
Sandra and Bob Peters
"Over the last three years we have found that you need to be active and agile. However, the exact timing needs to be precise - too early and you can be at risk of the horse having issues and not being prepared or even being unable to race, too late and you have a limited number of suitable horses to choose from," Hodgson said.
"Both The Star and Mr Peters were clear on what we were looking for in partners. He is fantastic to deal with and we came to an agreement quickly."
A rising star
Arcadia Queen is a fascinating Everest prospect. When last year's race was run, she had only had just one start, a mid-week maiden win at Belmont last September.
She stepped to metropolitan company at her next start, winning at Ascot in late October before suffering what has been the only defeat of her career when third in the Listed Burgess Queen S.
She rebounded with her first stakes win in the G3 WA Champion Fillies S. at her next run before elevating to a completely different level in winning the G2 WA Guineas by three lengths and then the G1 Kingston Town Classic by 4.5l.
When Peters bypassed the autumn with her, the expectation was that she would be aimed at races around 1600m and beyond on the eastern seaboard in the spring. But her owner had different ideas and instead planned a shot at the richest prize in Australian racing.
She had her first public hit-out under Waller's guidance on Tuesday, cruising to the line under James McDonald in second place in her trial, showing she had lost nothing in the eight months or so since we last saw her.
Her journey to The Everest in just over eight weeks has begun and The Star is delighted to be on board.
"Having a champion Group 1 winning horse in The Star’s slot is exciting. A horse that is a real chance such as Arcadia Queen allows The Star to be heavily invested in the race as an organisation, and filter that through to our guests and team members alike," Hodgson said.
"As a result of this, The Star feels genuinely connected to the race, not just a naming sponsor. This is the real differentiation of The Everest. It’s what makes this race so unique on many levels."
The Everest experience
And that's what makes The Everest such an appealing concept for organisations such as The Star, which runs a luxury and entertainment business, highlighted by its signature casino, dining and entertainment experiences in Sydney, Gold Coast and Brisbane.
The 'event' experience of being a slotholder in such a rich race, ties neatly into all aspects of The Star's business, providing an experience for its guests, not just a destination.
"The Star has a proud history of supporting cultural and sporting events important to Sydney – this includes our partnerships with Racing NSW and the Australian Turf Club at Royal Randwick – such as The Star Chinese Festival of Racing and The Star Doncaster Mile," Hodgson said.
The Everest experience has been an overwhelmingly positive one for The Star
"When The Star had the opportunity to become a founding slot member we were excited to do so as it was not just a sponsorship opportunity – it opened a window to becoming embedded in the race itself. We felt this was a rare and favourable circumstance that would appeal to our guests as an extension of the unique, luxurious and thrilling experiences we offer on property."
While The Star is yet to secure a winner in the race, The Everest experience has been an overwhelmingly positive one for the company, according to Hodgson.
"The Star is delighted to have been a founding slot holder. As the world’s richest race on turf, The Everest is fast becoming one of the premier Spring races in Australia, while its role in promoting Sydney’s racing calendar to the world is clear," he said.
"As a partner, The Star’s involvement has been a value add. It has introduced our guests to a great new experience and the thrill of ‘owning’ a racehorse and reinforces our relationships with the racing industry."
"As a partner, The Star’s involvement has been a value add. It has introduced our guests to a great new experience and the thrill of ‘owning’ a racehorse and reinforces our relationships with the racing industry." - Michael Hodgson
"The Everest is reinvigorating thoroughbred racing and making it attractive and accessible to a new generation of race-goers. Many of them have never experienced horse racing before."
And it sees itself as playing a major role as the race continues to evolve over the coming years.
"The Star is excited to continue its relationship with The Everest and Australian Turf Club and seeing this great spectacle grow into one of the world’s most preeminent races," Hodgson said.
