It’s official: NSW’s $20 million The Everest, Victoria’s All-Star Mile awarded Group 1 status

The Everest and All-Star Mile have been announced as freshly-minted Group 1 races.

Jockey Sam Clipperton (right) and trainer Joe Pride hold aloft The Everest trophy after Think About It’s victory last year. Picture: Jeremy Ng / Getty Images

New South Wales’ The Everest and Victoria’s All-Star Mile are officially freshly-minted Group 1 races.

On Wednesday afternoon, Racing Australia issued a press release, declaring the organisation was “pleased to announce the elevation of two major races to Group 1 Status”.

“Following the recent agreement and adoption of the Australian Black Type Guidelines by the Racing Australia Board, a review of races under those guidelines is being conducted,” the statement read.

“As a priority, The Everest and The All Star Mile, have been determined to have achieved the criteria and will be recognised as a Group 1.

“The All Star Mile and The Everest race upgrades have been ratified internationally. Whilst these upgrades will take immediate effect, further analysis and review of all black type races is being undertaken with the expectation that further announcements will be made in the near future.”

Racenet first reported on September 10 that the $20m The Everest was set to achieve Group 1 status before the running of this year’s race on October 19.

Racing NSW chief executive Peter V’landys has achieved much in racing and in rugby league administration, but having The Everest as a Group 1 is one of his proudest achievements.

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First won by Redzel in 2017, V’landys had to ward off criticism in the early years from detractors who claimed The Everest was a gimmick, a pop-up race that would disappear in time.

However the popular slot race has since doubled in prize money and become the premier sprint race in the world, won by stars such as Nature Strip, Classique Legend and Giga Kick.

It has also captivated a new, younger generation of racing enthusiasts and featured major promotions, including having the barrier draw beamed onto the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House.

• Sydney’s new black type races revealed

Having the All-Star Mile as a Group 1 race is also a major feather in the cap of Racing Victoria and its chief executive Aaron Morrison, who has embarked on a new spirit of co-operation with V’landys and NSW, ending racing’s cold war.

The All-Star Mile was initially a public-voted race, first staged in 2019, and it has been won by racing superstars Pride Of Jenni and Mr Brightside in the last two years

The next running of the All-Star Mile, which is no longer a public voted event, is scheduled for next March at Flemington.

MORE TO COME

Originally published as It’s official: NSW’s $20 million The Everest, Victoria’s All-Star Mile awarded Group 1 status