From Redzel to Nature Strip: The Everest winners and where they are now
It’s been won by some of Australia’s best sprinters in recent times in a seven-year history that has captured the imagination of Australian racing.
Horse Racing
Don't miss out on the headlines from Horse Racing. Followed categories will be added to My News.
The Everest has become the crown jewel of Sydney’s spring and it’s taken some of the nation’s best to win the coveted sprint.
From dual winner Redzel to champion sprinter Nature Strip, the first seven editions have captured the imagination of Australian racing.
A full house of 50,000 racegoers are expected to descend on Royal Randwick this Saturday to see who will be the latest to add their name the sensational list of winners.
Here is the honour roll of the richest race on turf and where the former champions are now.
■ ■ ■ ■ ■
REDZEL (2017-18)
Record: 39-15:10:3
Prizemoney: $16,444,000
The win: Added his name to the history books with a tough on speed effort to win the first Everest before backing it up 12 months later with another gutsy all the way win for jockey Kerrin McEvoy and father-son duo Peter and Paul Snowden.
Where are they now: Redzel finished third in the Group 1 TJ Smith Stakes in his final start in 2020 and now lives on Racing NSW’s Equine Welfare property – Bart’s Farm at Castlereagh.
■ ■ ■ ■ ■
YES YES YES (2019)
Record: 8-4:3:0
Prizemoney: $9,385,500
The win: The youngest winner of The Everest helped paved the way for three-year-olds to play a big part in the race. He flew home in record breaking time with the lightweight of 53kg to give Chris Waller and Glen Boss maiden wins in the race.
Where are they now: With his future at stud secured, he was retired the following autumn and now stands for $19,250 at Coolmore’s Hunter Valley stud. He is proving a hit and currently leads all second year sires for winning progeny.
■ ■ ■ ■ ■
CLASSIQUE LEGEND (2020)
Record: 15-6:2:2
Prizemoney: $9,385,500
The win: Master trainer Les Bridge orchestrated one of the most impressive The Everest wins as his classy grey raced away for a dominant win under the urging of regular rider Kerrin McEvoy. He went to Hong Kong and back again before finishing fifth in his second attempt.
Where are they now: Injury prevented the gelding from recapturing his best and he was retired in 2023. He now lives on McEvoy’s property on the Central Coast of New South Wales.
■ ■ ■ ■ ■
NATURE STRIP (2021)
Record: 44-22:8:1
Prizemoney: $20,765,008
The win: It was third time lucky for the best sprinter of his generation. Finishing fourth and seventh at his first two attempts, Chris Waller’s star son of Nicconi held on in a nailbiter.
Where are they now: Retired in the lead up to a potential fifth crack at The Everest, he now lives in Sydney’s west on the property of Waller’s long-time racing manager Charlie Duckworth and Group 1 jockey partner Kathy O’Hara. He’s even been put over the jumps at the recent Equimillion.
Nature Strip in action in the new star show jumping at Equimillion. The former @cwallerracing champion has a clean round with Kathy O’Hara in the saddle. 👠pic.twitter.com/d3wTPvBPZI
— Racing NSW (@racing_nsw) October 6, 2024
■ ■ ■ ■ ■
GIGA KICK (2022)
Record: 13-7:1:2
Prizemoney: $9,689,700
The win: Nature Strip started as shortest price favourite in The Everest history but it was then three-year-old Giga Kick who stole the show with a blistering turn of speed for trainer Clayton Douglas and jockey Craig Williams.
Where are they now: After missing last year’s race through injury, the comeback sprinter is back on the big stage to hunt his second The Everest win.
■ ■ ■ ■ ■
THINK ABOUT IT (2023)
Record: 15-6:2:2
Prizemoney: $12,163,050
The win: Came into The Everest on a eight-win streak and lived up to his top form with a thrilling win for trainer-jockey combo Joe Pride and Sam Clipperton.
Where are they now: A surprise omission from this year’s The Everest field, connections will have to be happy with a consolation prize in the $2 million Sydney Stakes on Saturday.
Originally published as From Redzel to Nature Strip: The Everest winners and where they are now
Racing Confidential: Gai plots two-state Group 1 ambush
Hall of Fame trainer Gai Waterhouse has never lacked confidence when it comes to her horses … and that was never more evident than when she assessed her chances of securing a unique The Everest-Caulfield Cup double on Saturday.
Everest revenge is Wishful thinking for Moody
Trainer Peter Moody has meticulously masterminded I Wish I Win’s revenge mission as the sprinter chases racing history in the Group 1 $20 million The TAB Everest (1200m) at Royal Randwick on Saturday.