Prominent owner John Camilleri buys out The Everest slot previously owned by Aquis

A prominent Sydney owner-breeder has negotiated to take over the Everest slot previously held by breeding giant, Aquis.

Sunshine In Paris wins at Rosehill.

The man who bred mighty mare Winx has acquired a slot in the $20 million The TAB Everest.

John Camilleri, the prominent Sydney owner-breeder, has negotiated to take over the Everest slot previously held by breeding giant, Aquis.

Camillieri’s Fairway Thoroughbreds had brilliant mare Sunshine In Paris in The Everest field last spring before a minor injury ended her campaign.

But Sunshine In Paris, trained by Annabel Neasham, is back in full work and is due to barrier trial next week before a likely return to racing in the Group 1 $1 million The Galaxy (1100m) at Rosehill Gardens on March 23.

Camilleri said having Sunshine In Paris back in training and possibly on The Everest path again was only part of the reason he has secured The Everest slot.

“I have watched with interest how (RNSW chief executive) Peter V’landys and Racing NSW has developed The Everest in recent years,’’ Camilleri said.

Sunshine In Paris in the Fairway Thoroughbred colours.

“The Everest is such an exciting race and it is a privilege now to be involved as a slot-holder. Aquis have been a pleasure to deal with through this whole process.’’

Aquis spokesman Jonathon Davies confirmed the “full transfer” of The Everest slot to Camilleri.

“This decision is due to our renewed focus on two-year-old racing and making stallions,’’ Davies said.

“We wish John Camilleri all the best and hope one day to use his slot for an Aquis-owned sprinter.’’

Aquis has held an Everest slot since 2017 and had seventh placegetter Houtzen run in their slot in the racing’s inaugural year won by Redzel.

The closest Aquis came to winning The Everest was the following year when their runner Trapeze Artist chased home dual champ Redzel.

Aquis was also represented by unplaced sprinters Pierata (fourth to Yes Yes Yes in 2019), Dollar For Dollar (last to Classique Legend in 2020), Libertini (eighth to Nature Strip in 2021), Joyful Fortune (ninth to Giga Kick in 2022) and Hawaii Five Oh (fifth to Think About It in 2023).

Winx’s half-sister, City Of Lights will race in Camilleri’s colours at the Canterbury Friday night meeting.

City Of Lights, by Japanese superhorse Deep Impact out of Vegas Showgirl, the dam of all-time great Winx, has shown promise winning two of her four starts and is resuming in the TAB Handicap (1500m).

Originally published as Prominent owner John Camilleri buys out The Everest slot previously owned by Aquis