Minutes before Sydney’s The Everest was run on Saturday, organisers blared Neil Diamond’s Sweet Caroline for the 46,000 punters attending the world’s richest race.

Racing NSW boss Peter V’Landys, dressed in his billowy blue suit, blue shirt and blue tie, appeared triumphant overlooking the sweaty mass from the balcony of his directors box at Randwick racecourse. Given the helpful media coverage preceding the event, he’d have good reason to be happy!