Sold-out crowd and thrilling racing makes for an historic Everest

A sold-out crowd of more than 50,000 held its breath before erupting into cheers and groans as the richest race on turf – the $20 million TAB Everest Stakes – was claimed by Bella Nipotina.

A sold-out crowd of more than 50,000 held its breath before erupting into cheers and groans as the richest race on turf – the $20 million TAB Everest Stakes – was claimed by mare Bella Nipotina and “king of the mountain” Craig Williams.

She scored a narrow win over 2022 winner Giga Kick, which Williams rode that year. She also beat favourites I Wish I Win and Joliestar.

Williams was dumped as the jockey of Giga Kick after a controversial ride in the McEwen Stakes last spring.

It was the first time in its history that The Everest, the brainchild of racing juggernaut Peter V’landys, was met with capacity crowds at Royal Randwick.

It was also the first time it was run as a Group One event.

Bella Nipotina, ridden by jockey Craig Williams, wins The Everest 2024 at Royal Randwick. Picture: David Gray/AFP

Williams celebrates after winning the $20 million race. Picture: David Gray/AFP

An estimated quarter of the crowd was from Victoria, with those racing fans having ditched the Caulfield Cup to come to the Everest.

For first-time racegoers and dedicated punters alike, the $20 million race wasn’t the only spectacle on the day, with the 50,000-strong crowd cheering, dancing and partying along as Neil Diamond classic Sweet Caroline blared out over the loudspeakers.

Leah Gocher, Emma McGargill, Arabella Hambour, Adriana Farrac, Ella Johnston and Louise Lander. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

Tim Marsh, Angela Memz and Lloyd Memz. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

Rain pelting down across the hallowed turf of Royal Randwick – just seconds before the gates opened for the main event – didn’t stop the crowds from watching on in awe as Bella Nipotina clinched the top prize.

Punter and racing fan Lachlan Cassidy could barely contain himself.

“It’s the atmosphere,” Mr Cassidy said. “We’ve got a sold-out crowd in Randwick, you’ve got the calibre of the horses, the calibre of the people, the calibre of the jockeys.

“This is what puts Sydney racing on the map.”

Mr Cassidy said the world’s richest race on turf had reinvigorated racing in Sydney, with sold-out crowds a far cry from previous years.

Rebecca LeBherz and Carla Zampatti chief executive Alex Schuman. Picture: Matrix

Virginia Murwisi and Hayley Ratcliffe. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

“Put simply, Racing NSW boss Peter V’landys has done it. Racing is hot again,” Mr Cassidy said.

“Hot enough for 20-something-year-olds to opt to spend their bucks parties and birthdays at the tracks, hot enough for a race to sell out for the first time in its history.”

V’landys said the success of The Everest was that it “attracted a new generation”.

“It’s the generation of change in racing,” he told The Sunday Telegraph.

NSW Racing boss and NRL chairman Peter V’landys, AFL CEO Andrew Dillon and NRL CEO Andrew Abdo.

Capturing the atmosphere at Royal Randwick. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

Tradition might not have been followed to the tee – few outside of Members were dressed in the Everest’s recommended blue, and fascinators were few and far between.

Punters were more likely to spot someone in a tight dress and a TAB hat, but even the most traditional racing fans did not seem to mind.

In the members area, Emma Pellow said The 2024 Everest was the best ever.

Kerrie Carucci. Picture: Matrix

Chanel Hayes. Picture: Matrix

“The Everest is the fun, young race. It’s edgy. We love how they play Sweet Caroline,” she said.

“The crowd today is unbelievable”.

She was convinced rumours King Charles would make an appearance drove the increased buzz and record crowd numbers.

Viera Macikova. Picture: Getty Images

Tom Ford. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

All day, the track was rife with gossip of a potential royal appearance but, when the gates opened for the King Charles III Stakes, King Charles and Queen Camilla were tucked up at the stately Admiralty House in Kirribilli.

They missed a treat of a race. Epsom Handicap winner Ceolwulf confirmed his status as the next star of Australian racing after an exciting victory in the King Charles III Stakes.

Ceolwulf timed his run perfectly to catch superstar mare Pride Of Jenni on the line.

Business Sydney projections suggested the sold-out crowd at Royal Randwick would provide a massive $30 million injection into the NSW economy, while 2000 jobs were created for the event.

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Originally published as Sold-out crowd and thrilling racing makes for an historic Everest