Think About It win 2023 Everest as ’incredible’ moment steals the show

Think About It won a memorable edition of The Everest, but it was wild scenes before the start that sent tingles down the spine.

Favourite Think About It has taken out the $7 million winner’s prize at the 2023 Everest in a remarkable performance.

The world’s richest turf race took a big prizemoney bump in 2023 with a $5 million prize pool bump to $20 million in 2023.

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Trainer Joseph Pride trained both Think About It and third placed finisher Private Eye and was over the moon.

“That is unbelievable,” Pride said. “They both ran terrific.

“I’m a bit lost for words. It is incredible performance.”

THINK ABOUT IT CONQUERS THE EVEREST! 🏔️@PrideRacing@[e-mail]/kapqkVZF2N

— 7HorseRacing 🐎 (@7horseracing) October 14, 2023

Race-winning jockey Sam Clipperton was emotional after the race.

Asked how he feel, he said: “I don’t know.”

“This stuff doesn’t happen, it just went too perfect,” Clipperton said.

“I guess that’s what very good horses do. Maybe even champions. They eliminate the opposition. Won easy.”

While The Everest is a buy-in race with entrants needing to pay $700k, Think About It’s team will take home the $7 million prize and the $600,000 diamond encrusted first place trophy.

I Wish I Win gets $2.9 million for second and Private Eye $2m for third.

Fourth gets $1.5m, fifth $1.2m, sixth $950,000, while seven to 12 get $700k.

But it was before the race that won the day with the crowd singing Neil Diamond’s Sweet Caroline, 50,000 punters all in unison.

How good is racing.

Bring on The Everest. pic.twitter.com/Q7Qczs2wps

— 7HorseRacing 🐎 (@7horseracing) October 14, 2023

In commentary, Emma Freedman said: “Bruce, this is like nothing I have ever experienced on a racetrack. The most beautiful part of that rendition of Sweet Caroline the public are singing it, the members are singing it, the slot-holders, the trainers. Everybody involved in this amazing race.

“Then when you look at top where the boxes with the big dogs are with all the money in racing and they are on the balcony singing it as well. It is absolutely incredible.”

While some fans didn’t like it, there’s no doubt the crowd and many on social were loving it.

Just got back from meeting with racing people overseas and everyone asked “how can we engage younger people better?”… seems like all you need is great Sydney weather & to play Sweet Caroline #TheEverest Well played PVL

— John Young (@dougieswim) October 14, 2023

Sweet Caroline before #TheEverest was elite

— Sean (@seanat01) October 14, 2023

Sweet Caroline #everest#differentlevel 👏👏👏

— Manny Gelagotis 🐎⚽️🇬🇷🇦🇺 (@hvasstan) October 14, 2023

For NSW racing boss Peter V’landys, it’s got to be gratifying as the boss’ brainchild has succeeded beyond his wildest dreams.

With 50,000 fans turning out at Royal Randwick, it was a sight to behold.

Think About It and I Wish I Win were equal favourites, with Private Eye next back at $7.

First four for 2023 Everest

1. Think About It

2. I Wish I Win

3. Private Eye

4. In Secret

Originally published as Think About It win 2023 Everest as ’incredible’ moment steals the show