Alcohol Free to run for Yulong in The Everest

Written by Trent Masenhelder

Cover image courtesy of Ashlea Brennan

Saturday’s The Everest field is now complete, with confirmation on Monday that Alcohol Free (Ire) (No Nay Never {USA}) will represent Yulong. Craig Williams, who partnered Giga Kick (Scissor Kick) to victory in the race 12 months ago, will ride the 6-year-old in the $20 million contest at Randwick.

The Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott-trained mare boasts four wins in top company. Before being purchased by Yulong, she won the Cheveley Park S. in 2020, the Coronation S. and Sussex S. in 2021 and the July Cup in 2022.

Having already lifted The Everest trophy in 2018 when the Team Snowden-trained Redzel (Snitzel) was first home, Yulong’s Operations Manager, Sam Fairgray, is confident its runner will again do Mr Zhang proud.

“We’re thrilled that Alcohol Free is running in the green and white in the upcoming The Everest. She embodies the world-class performance that Mr Zhang has built the Yulong brand to represent. We are confident that she will offer an excellent opportunity for us in the race, upholding Yulong’s successful history in The Everest,” Fairgray said.

Acting through BBA Ireland’s Michael Donohoe, Yulong secured Alcohol Free for 5,400,000gns (AU$10.9 million) at last year’s Tattersalls December Mare Sale. Prior to export to Australia, the Churchtown House Stud-bred mare was trained by Andrew Balding.

Alcohol Free has had two starts in Australia and at her most recent outing, she ran very well when first-up, placing fourth in the G2 Premiere S. just 2.8l behind the winner Think About It (So You Think {NZ}).

“Alcohol Free is quite simply the most exciting mare to come to Australia,” said Waterhouse. “We are delighted that she has gained a start in the race, ridden by Craig Williams, who of course is already a winner of the race.

“It was a good run in the Premiere Stakes, and she really needed that to take the edge off her freshness. I believe she is absolutely spot on now.

“Yulong have become a major player in the Australian breeding and racing scene. Adrian and myself are very excited that she can represent Yulong in their silks and in their slot.”

Table: The Everest final field