Melbourne-based businessman James Kennedy has continued his growing presence in the Australian thoroughbred industry by securing the vacant GPI Racing slot for this year’s $15 million TAB The Everest.
The sale of the slot, which was managed by Inglis, attracted global interest as soon as owner Greg Ingham decided to offer his position and Kennedy enjoyed a successful outcome.
“Nobody can genuinely argue against the fact that The Everest is a major force in world racing, it has been from day one and I’m so excited to have the chance to now be involved in it,’’ Kennedy said.
“I’m passionate about the racing industry and all it does for the care and well-being of these amazing animals and for the critical role it plays in our economy.”
The Executive Chairman of Luxury Group Kennedy, a leading watch and jewellery business, he has been the official sponsor of the G1 VRC Kennedy Oaks during Melbourne Cup week at Flemington since 2017.
James Kennedy | Image courtesy of Bronwen Healy
Racing stable
In more recent years, he has established his own private racing stable, Kennedy Racing, which has celebrated early success on the racetrack and is active at Australian yearling sales.
He turned heads in 2019 when he brought in world-famous horseman Monty Roberts to help with his new venture with a welfare-first, horse-focussed ethos.
Roberts traversed the sales grounds of Australia, working as an advisor to help Kennedy select the horses which were going to be at the vanguard of the Kennedy Racing's imprint on Australian racing.
Under the care of Irish-born trainer Caroline Jennings, a student of Roberts' methodology, that first generation of Kennedy Racing purchases have made their mark with both Arabian Hussey (Al Maher) and Written Miss (Written Tycoon) progressive metropolitan winners.
"I set out a two or three-year plan from buying yearlings, and it’s not easy to get success quickly in that situation. We were not an established stable, we were starting from the ground up with yearlings," Kennedy told TDN AusNZ.
James Kennedy and Monty Roberts | Image courtesy of Bronwen Healy
Kennedy has now ramped up his involvement by successfully securing a slot for the 2021 The Everest.
“I have a strong presence in Victoria through my sponsorship of the Kennedy Oaks and the Victoria Racing Club and now I’ll have a more formal presence in New South Wales by taking up this Everest slot,” Kennedy said.
He has no immediate plans to lock in his Everest representative and is happy to wait and see what unfolds.
“I don’t have a specific horse in mind to fill the slot. I’ll just sit back and see what presents itself over the next few weeks and months,” Kennedy said.
“I don’t have a specific horse in mind to fill the slot. I’ll just sit back and see what presents itself over the next few weeks and months.” – James Kennedy
“Ideally, in time I would love to have one of my own horses represent the slot, that’s the dream, but for now it’s just such a thrill to be involved in the world’s richest race on turf.’’
Inglis Managing Director Mark Webster welcomed Kennedy into the Everest fray.
“James is an enthusiastic industry participant who has invested a lot of time and money into racing in recent years and to see him now involved in an Everest slot is testament to his belief in the concept and willingness to continue to invest,’’ Webster said.
Mark Webster
“James continues to add to his growing band of racehorses and I wish him all the best in his quest for Everest glory. One thing is for sure – he will enjoy the ride, it’s fabulous fun.
“The Everest is here to stay, the model works, it gets more and more popular each year and we are thrilled to be involved,” said Ingham, whose star sprinter Chautauqua (Encosta De Lago) participated in the inaugural running of The Everest.
“Offering our slot for sale is purely a financial decision. Barb and I still remain heavily invested in the concept itself and we look forward to doing so for many years to come.’’
