Trainer Chris Waller locks in Joliestar for his slot in the 2024 The Everest

Champion trainer Chris Waller, a two-time The Everest winner, has confirmed brilliant mare Joliestar will run in his slot for next month’s $20 million main event at Royal Randwick.

Champion trainer Chris Waller, a two-time The Everest winner, has confirmed brilliant mare Joliestar will run in his slot for next month’s $20 million main event at Royal Randwick.

Joliestar becomes the fourth mare and sixth sprinter to earn her place in the richest race on turf on October 19.

Waller manages his slot with longtime supporters Neville and Jenny Morgan, Peter and Patricia Tighe, Noel and Maria Greenhalgh and Ingham Racing and announced the decision on Wednesday morning.

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The news dropped less than 24 hours after Stefi Magnetica was snapped up by Newgate Farm on Tuesday night.

I Wish I Win (slot-holder Trackside Media), Bella Nipotina (TAB) and Bustling (Max Whitby and Neil Werrett) are already confirmed Everest starters.

Sunshine In Paris is expected to run in the Fairway Thoroughbred slot that owner John Camilleri manages.

Joliestar returns with a bang! That was arrogant 😳 @[e-mail]/PJd0XxfDtb

— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) August 24, 2024

Joliestar put herself in the spotlight for an Everest berth with a brilliant first up victory in the Group 3 Show County Quality (1200m) before finishing third in the Group 2 Sheraco Stakes last start.

“A proven elite performer at three, Joliestar has returned as a four-year-old with dynamic performances, showing her talent with a dominant victory in the Group 3 Show County (Quality) followed by a gutsy second-up effort in the Group 2 Sheraco Stakes,” the Waller stable said in a statement.

“She is a mare that looks to have it all before her and we are delighted to have her represent our slot in the world’s richest turf race.”

Joliestar is raced by prominent Kiwi breeders Brendan and Jo Lindsay of Cambridge Stud.

It will be the Group 1 winning breeders first runner in The Everest.

“We are also extremely proud to partner with Brendan and Jo Lindsay and Cambridge Stud for this incredible opportunity,” the Waller stable said.

“Their trust and collaboration in allowing Joliestar to represent Chris Waller Racing and Partners slot in this year’s Everest is greatly appreciated.”

• Stefi Magnetica earns shot at $20m The Everest

Waller was planning to run Joliestar in this Saturday’s Group 2 $400,000 Golden Pendant (1400m) but has decided to skip the race to line up fresh in three weeks’ time.

The mare will now trial on October 8 before going to The Everest, in which she is rated an $11 chance.

Waller won his first The Everest with brilliant three-year-old colt Yes Yes Yes in 2019 before champion sprinter Nature Strip finally captured Australia’s most coveted sprint at his third attempt two years later.

A mare has never won The Everest in the races seven year history with six geldings and one colt claiming honours.

Waller will have the option of chasing a lucrative $30 million feature race double with Joliestar as the four-year-old holds eligibility to run in the $10 million Golden Eagle at Rosehill Gardens on November 2.

Joliestar is in the third line of betting at $8 with international raider Lazzat for the 1500m feature.

Originally published as Trainer Chris Waller locks in Joliestar for his slot in the 2024 The Everest