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Overview
This page was last updated on October 14, 2026
The $20 million Group 1 The Everest 2026 slot race takes place at Randwick on Saturday October 17 as the world's richest turf race.
- Race Date: 17/10/2026
- Race Status: Group 1
- Race Conditions: Weight-for-age
- Race Venue: Randwick, NSW
- Prize Money: $20,000,000
- Distance: 1200m
- Track Conditions: Soft7 - Overcast
- Rail Position: +3m Entire.
The Everest 2026 Odds
| 1. Ka Ying Rising (11) J: Zac Purton 58.5kg 111x1 T: David A Hayes | |||
| Second-up. Comes off a 41-day let-up. First-up after four months won by 7 len in the G3 HKSAR Chief Executive's Cup at Sha Tin on September 6 over 1200m defeating Copartner Prance with 61kg. Previously second-up won by 1.2 len in a G1 The Everest at this track on October 18 over 1200m defeating Tempted carrying 58.5kg at $2. World's best sprinter who can stamp his authority again. | |||
| 2. Jimmysstar (8) J: Nash Rawiller 58.5kg 42x91 T: Ciaron Maher | |||
| Third-up today and won third-up previously. Resuming 9th of 12 in the G1 Memsie Stakes at Caulfield on August 29 over 1400m, slow going 5 len behind Beiwacht carrying 59kg at $3.80. Last start settled well back; won by 0.8 len in the G1 Manikato Stakes at Caulfield on September 27 over 1200m defeating Extragalactic carrying 58.5kg at $6.50. Finished third here last year and appears to be going just as well. | |||
| 3. Giga Kick (12) J: Dylan Gibbons 58.5kg 20x08 T: Clayton Douglas | |||
| Third-up today and won third-up in the past. First-up 10th of 13 in the G1 Moir Stakes at Sandown-Hillside on September 5 over 1000m, on a slow track; 4.5 len behind My Gladiola carrying 58.5kg at $4.80. Second run from a spell 8th of 13 in the G1 Manikato Stakes at Caulfield on September 27 over 1200m, 4 len behind Jimmysstar carrying 58.5kg at $13. Won this race in 2022 and the blinkers go on, doesn't appear to be going well enough. | |||
| 4. Angel Capital (2) J: Ben Melham 58.5kg 6x301 T: Chris Waller | |||
| At the latest run came from midfield and won by 0.8 len in the G1 Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes at Caulfield on September 19 over 1400m defeating Sepals with 56kg at $5. Before that 10th of 12 in the G1 Memsie Stakes at Caulfield on August 29 over 1400m, slow going 6 len behind Beiwacht carrying 59kg at $9.50. Blinkers go on and not as effective on rain affected going, slim place claims. | |||
| 5. Caballus (10) J: Tim Clark 58.5kg 216x5 T: Bjorn Baker | |||
| Second-up. First-up after six months 5th of 12 in the G2 Premiere Stakes at this track on October 3 over 1200m, slow going 4 len behind Tempted carrying 58.5kg at $8.50. Previously second-up won by a neck in the G1 Newmarket Handicap at Flemington on March 7 over 1200m defeating Gallant Son with 55kg at $19. Newmarket winner who races best second up, but faces a tough ask from the draw. | |||
| 6. Headwall (6) J: Kerrin Mcevoy 58.5kg x1x25 T: Matthew Smith | |||
| Third-up today and placed third-up previously. First-up 2nd of 12 in the G2 Concorde Stakes at this track on September 5 over 1000m, long-neck behind Tempted with 58.5kg at $4.40. Last start 5th of 11 in a G2 The Shorts at this track on September 19 over 1100m, 1.0 len behind Mazu with 56kg at $3.20. At his top now and will relish a rain affected track, respect. | |||
| 7. Ninja (3) J: Tommy Berry 58.5kg 15x19 T: Michael Freedman | |||
| Third-up today and won third-up in the past. First-up tracked the speed and boxed on steadily; won by 1.2 len in the G2 Missile Stakes at this track on August 8 over 1200m defeating Napoleonic with 57.5kg at $5. Second-up 9th of 11 in a G2 The Shorts at this track on September 19 over 1100m, 2 len behind Mazu carrying 57kg at $4.60. Kept fresh and gets every chance on a rain affected track. | |||
| 8. Joliestar (5) J: James McDonald 56.5kg 1x3x2 T: Chris Waller | |||
| Having second run back today. Last outing came from midfield; 2nd of 11 in a G2 The Shorts at this track on September 19 over 1100m, neck behind Mazu carrying 56kg at $3.70. At only start last preparation tracked the speed and boxed on steadily 3rd of 18 in the G1 Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes at Ascot on June 20 over 1207m, neck behind Almeraq with 58kg at $2.90. Had no luck in this race the last two years, place preferred. | |||
| 9. Tempted (1) J: Chad Schofield 56.5kg 11x11 T: Ciaron Maher | |||
| Third-up today and won third-up previously. Resuming favourite; won by a long-neck in the G2 Concorde Stakes at this track on September 5 over 1000m defeating Headwall with 58kg at $1.95. Second run from a spell favourite; won by 3 len in the G2 Premiere Stakes at this track on October 3 over 1200m on a soft track defeating Savvy Hallie carrying 56.5kg at $1.60. Ran second in this race last year and is going even better this prep, shapes as the main danger. | |||
| 10. Spicy Martini (4) J: Taylor Marshall 56.5kg 121x4 T: Toby Edmonds | |||
| Second run back. First-up after three months 4th of 11 in a G2 The Shorts at this track on September 19 over 1100m, 0.7 len behind Mazu carrying 56kg at $19. Previously second-up 2nd of 15 in the G1 Doomben 10,000 on May 16 over 1200m, slow going 1.0 len behind Rothfire carrying 56.5kg at $30. Stradbroke winner who can surprise on a rain affected track. | |||
| 11. Savvy Hallie (7) J: Zac Lloyd 56.5kg 0x712 T: Brad Widdup | |||
| Form hard to fault. At the latest run raced on speed throughout when 2nd of 12 in the G2 Premiere Stakes at this track on October 3 over 1200m, on a slow track; 3 len behind Tempted carrying 56.5kg at $17. The race before that won by a long-neck in the G2 Sheraco Stakes at Rosehill on September 12 over 1200m defeating Gangsta Granny with 57kg at $20. Will sit on the strong tempo but struggle late. | |||
| 12. Blue Door (9) J: Jamie Melham 51kg 1x221 T: Bjorn Baker | |||
| Last start favourite; won by 2.25 len in the G3 Heritage Stakes at Rosehill on September 26 over 1100m defeating Ciaron's Star carrying 56.5kg at $1.85. Before that set the pace for much of the race 2nd of 8 in the G3 San Domenico Stakes at Rosehill on August 29 over 1100m, 1.3 len behind Guest House carrying 55kg at $1.95. Yet to win past 1100m and is no Tempted. | |||
| 13. Overpass (13) J: Unknown 58.5kg 4x30x T: Bjorn Baker | |||
| Dual acceptor. Resuming. Finished off last campaign 13th of 18 at Ascot in the G1 Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes June 20 over 1207m, 6 len behind Almeraq carrying 59.5kg at $15. When resuming last campaign third of 26 at Ascot in the G1 King Charles III Stakes June 16 over 1005m, 1.0 len behind Mission Central carrying 60.5kg at $4.30. Emergency poorly drawn. | |||
| 14. Charm Stone (14) J: Unknown 56.5kg x43x3 T: Mick Price & Michael Kent Jnr | |||
| Dual acceptor. Second run back. First-up after five months sat on speed throughout when 3rd of 13 in the G1 Manikato Stakes at Caulfield on September 27 over 1200m, 1.0 len behind Jimmysstar with 56.5kg at $21. Previously second-up 3rd of 13 in the G1 Robert Sangster Stakes at Morphettville on April 25 over 1200m, nose behind Geegees Mistruth carrying 56.5kg at $6.50. Emergency who will need to do even more. | |||
| 15. Skybird (15) J: Unknown 56.5kg 70x61 T: Mitchell Freedman | |||
| Dual acceptor. Third-up today and won third-up previously. Resuming 6th of 13 in the G1 Moir Stakes at Sandown-Hillside on September 5 over 1000m, slow going 3.5 len behind My Gladiola carrying 56.5kg at $15. Second run from a spell favourite; won by a nose in the G2 Gilgai Stakes at Flemington on October 3 over 1200m on a heavy track defeating Smooth Chino carrying 55kg at $2.90. Emergency tested in this field. | |||
| 16. Marhoona (16) J: Unknown 56.5kg 14x63 T: Michael Freedman | |||
| Dual acceptor. Third-up today and won third-up in the past. Resuming sat on the speed and boxed on steadily 6th of 12 in the G2 Concorde Stakes at this track on September 5 over 1000m, 3 len behind Tempted carrying 58.5kg at $9. Second run from a spell 3rd of 12 in the G2 Premiere Stakes at this track on October 3 over 1200m, on a slow track; 3 len behind Tempted carrying 56.5kg at $18. Emergency likely to find this out of reach. | |||
As the world’s richest race on turf, The Everest 2026 is the headline sprint of the Australian racing season, bringing together the nation’s elite speedsters for a spectacular 1200m WFA showdown at Sydney’s Royal Randwick each October. Since its inaugural running in 2017, the $20 million feature has transformed the spring racing landscape with its unique slot-holder concept, record prizemoney, and star-studded fields featuring Australia’s best sprinters making The Everest odds and betting some of the most sought after of the spring carnival. Widely regarded as one of the most prestigious sprint races in the world, The Everest attracts huge attention from racing fans, punters, and industry participants alike, with the race regularly producing unforgettable performances and champion winners. Find everything you need to know about The Everest, including the race’s history, prizemoney, slot holders, field, betting trends, results, and past winners right here at Races.com.au.
2026 The Everest Results
Stay tuned for the official 2026 The Everest results and finishing order and to see which sprinter has won the richest turf race in the world this year!
- 1st: TBD
- 2nd: TBD
- 3rd: TBD
Winning Margin:Â TBD
Winning Time:Â TBD
The Everest Tips
Stay tuned for our insider The Everest 2026 betting tips and exotic Randwick, spring racing selections on the country’s richest race.
Favourite: No. 1 Ka Ying Rising
Each Way Danger: No. 9 Tempted
Best Roughie: No. 12 Blue Door
| 1. Ka Ying Rising (11) J: Zac Purton 58.5kg 111x1 T: David A Hayes | |||
| Second-up. Comes off a 41-day let-up. First-up after four months won by 7 len in the G3 HKSAR Chief Executive's Cup at Sha Tin on September 6 over 1200m defeating Copartner Prance with 61kg. Previously second-up won by 1.2 len in a G1 The Everest at this track on October 18 over 1200m defeating Tempted carrying 58.5kg at $2. World's best sprinter who can stamp his authority again. | |||
| 9. Tempted (1) J: Chad Schofield 56.5kg 11x11 T: Ciaron Maher | |||
| Third-up today and won third-up previously. Resuming favourite; won by a long-neck in the G2 Concorde Stakes at this track on September 5 over 1000m defeating Headwall with 58kg at $1.95. Second run from a spell favourite; won by 3 len in the G2 Premiere Stakes at this track on October 3 over 1200m on a soft track defeating Savvy Hallie carrying 56.5kg at $1.60. Ran second in this race last year and is going even better this prep, shapes as the main danger. | |||
| 12. Blue Door (9) J: Jamie Melham 51kg 1x221 T: Bjorn Baker | |||
| Last start favourite; won by 2.25 len in the G3 Heritage Stakes at Rosehill on September 26 over 1100m defeating Ciaron's Star carrying 56.5kg at $1.85. Before that set the pace for much of the race 2nd of 8 in the G3 San Domenico Stakes at Rosehill on August 29 over 1100m, 1.3 len behind Guest House carrying 55kg at $1.95. Yet to win past 1100m and is no Tempted. | |||
The Everest News
- The Everest 2026 Barrier Draw: Ka Ying Rising Wide in 11
- Confirmed The Everest 2026 Field
- Past The Everest Winners & Results
- Eight Horses Confirmed for The Everest 2026 as $20 Million Sprint Showdown Takes Shape
- Tempted Dominates Premiere Stakes Ahead of 2026 The Everest Showdown with Ka Ying Rising
The Everest is the richest turf race in the world with a staggering $20 million in prize money now on offer in the restricted Royal Randwick event run annually on a Saturday in October as the highlight of the Sydney Spring Racing Carnival.
It officially gained Group 1 status ahead of the 2024 edition when the Ciaron Maher-trained Bella Nipotina became the first The Everest winning mare.
Racing NSW announced the inaugural edition of The Everest would take place in 2017 as Sydney looks to compete for the racing community and punters’ attention with the Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival and the event proved a huge success.
The Everest is now Australia’s richest race surpassing the Group 1 $10.2 million Melbourne Cup (3200m) held on the first Tuesday of November at Flemington.
Contested over 1200m The Everest race is a weight-for-age sprint showdown open to local and international connections who “buy” their way into the race paying a $600,000 entry fee to have a runner in The Everest field.
The incredible The Everest prize money on offer is funded from this hefty entry fee as well as other event-generated events.
The Everest now competes with the Melbourne sprint races running around the same time of the season including the Group 1 Manikato Stakes (1200m) and serves as a gun lead-up to Flemington’s Group 1 Champions Sprint (1200m) held on the last day of the Melbourne Cup Carnival in November.
The Everest ran for the first time in 2017 and was won by Redzel who went on to win the VRC Sprint Classic in Melbourne next race. Redzel successfully defended in title in 2018 to become the first back-to-back The Everest winner in the same way the mighty Archer won the opening two editions of the Melbourne Cup (1861-62). Redzel attempted a three-peat but only managed to run eighth behind three-year-old Yes Yes Yes in the 2019 The Everest results that saw a new track record set by the young champion.
For the 2019 edition of The Everest the prize money was boosted to $14 million and another prize money increase in 2020 saw the event offer an unprecedented $15 million in stakes. The Everest prize money was further boosted in 2023 to an incredible $20 million.
It is now second in prize money to only the $28m Saudi Cup which is the world’s richest thoroughbred event and runs on a dirt track.
In 2020 jockey Kerrin McEvoy secured his third The Everest success in the race’s four-year history riding the previous season’s sixth placegetter Classique Legend to victory. Classique Legend ($4.20 in 2020) became the first The Everest favourite to salute for the punters.
In 2021 trainer Chris Waller won the race for a second time when the favourite Nature Strip ($3.70) saluted for the punters at his third attempt in the event.
The race is now part of a wider The Everest Carnival that has a host of unique races taking place across Sydney with over $50 million in prize money being awarded.
Nature Strip returned in 2022 for a fourth run and title defence but only managed to finish fourth behind upset winner Giga Kick who became the second three-year-old The Everest winner, the event’s longest-priced champion at $21 and the first undefeated horse to win the event.
The Everest date sees the event run on the same day as the $6.55 million Caulfield Cup (2400m) in Melbourne.
The Everest Day also features a Special Condition feature race, the $2 million The Kosciuszko open only to NSW country-trained horses. Other key events on the card include the Group 1 $5 million King Charles III Stakes (1600m), Listed $1 million Silver Eagle (1300m), Group 2 $2 million Group 2 Sydney Stakes (1200m).
Previously, each year’s The Everest results also determined the race name for the Winners Stakes, a $3 million feature run at Rosehill on the same day as Melbourne’s VRC Derby. In 2024 the Winners Stakes was renamed the Russell Balding Stakes after the former Racing NSW chairman Russell Balding, who was forced to step down from his position in 2023.
The 2024 The Everest winner Bella Nipotina made history as the first mare to win when narrowly denying the 2022 champion Giga Kick in a thrilling eighth edition of the event.
Bella Nipotina (2024) then went on to become the latest runner to complete The Everest / Russell Balding Stakes double.
The 2025 The Everest winner was Hong Kong flyer Ka Ying Rising who became the first international champion.
The Everest form from 2025 proved some of the strongest in the world with the champion, Kay Ying Rising, returning home to win his next seven starts on the trot at Sha Tin including four Group 1s. The 2025 Everest runner-up, Tempted, also went on to frank the form winning her next four straight starts including the Group 1 Surround Stakes. Even more success came out of the 2025 The Everest trifecta with Jimmysstar completing the Russell Balding – CF Orr Stakes double at his next two spring starts.
2026 The Everest Betting
The Everest betting offers some of the hottest spring racing carnival markets and Australia’s best sprinters dominate The Everest odds each season. With strong international interest in the $20 million sprint, class sprinters from around the globe also feature in The Everest betting.
The Everest odds are led by proven Group 1 winning sprinters that have previous form in past editions of The Everest race and those who dominated the autumn features including the Group 1 TJ Smith Stakes (1200m) that takes place at the same track – distance.
Odds on The Everest horses also firm as slot-holders confirm their runners.
Classique Legend ($4.20 in 2020) started as The Everest favourite and became the first to win the event.
The following year Nature Strip ($3.70 in 2021) won as favourite at his third attempt.
Nature Strip was odds on favourite at $1.90 in 2022 but only managed to run fourth behind Giga Kick who won at the longest The Everest odds to date of $21.
Think About It ($4.40 in 2023) is the latest The Everest winner to salute for the punters.
The 2024 The Everest was won by Bella Nipotina at $9 odds.
Ka Ying Rising ($2 in 2025) became the latest The Everest favourite to salute.Â
The Everest Field
2026 The Everest Form Guide
The Everest form guide is the key resource punters use to assess every runner heading into Australia’s richest race on turf at Royal Randwick. It compiles each horse’s recent sprint form, barrier draw, jockey, trainer, track and distance record, and fitness profile to help identify which runners are best suited to the high-pressure 1200m weight-for-age contest. With elite sprinters converging from across Australia, the form guide is one of the most important tools for finding value and identifying genuine winning chances in The Everest.
What Punters Should Look for in The Everest Form Guide:
- Recent Group 1 and Group 2 sprint form — Horses coming through races like the Premiere Stakes, Moir Stakes, The Shorts, Concorde Stakes and other elite sprint features often bring the strongest form lines.
- 1200m credentials — The Everest is run at a relentless tempo. Proven performers at 1200m generally have an advantage over horses stepping outside their preferred trip.
- Randwick suitability — Royal Randwick’s long straight can favour strong finishers. Horses with previous success at the track are always worth close consideration.
- Barrier draw — A favourable gate can be crucial in a capacity field, especially for runners that rely on settling close to the speed or securing clear running.
- Race fitness — Many Everest contenders target the race months in advance. Horses peaking third or fourth-up often produce their best performances on race day.
- Speed map and tempo — Understanding where the pressure will come from can help identify runners likely to enjoy the ideal run in transit.
- Jockey and trainer combinations — The race regularly attracts Australia’s leading stables and jockeys, with proven big-race partnerships often making a difference.
- Track conditions — Some sprinters excel on rain affected going while others are far more effective on firm tracks, making the expected surface an important consideration.
- Market moves — Strong betting support in the lead-up to The Everest can indicate confidence from connections and is often a useful guide for punters.
- WFA performance — As a weight-for-age race, punters should focus on runners with a strong record against elite opposition under these conditions rather than handicap form alone.
FULL 2026 THE EVEREST FORM GUIDE
The spring’s The Everest field features the best sprint horses from Australia and abroad competing for the incredible prize money on offer including the millions on offer to The Everest winner.
Connections must pay a whopping $600,000 entry fee to have their horse run in the capacity 12-starter The Everest field, meaning the sprinters on show come from the richest owners and stables able to afford the cost of having a runner.
Racing NSW and the Australian Turf Club sell 12 slots in The Everest field each year that can be traded or that the owners of which can enter into a partnership with a non-slot holding connection to make up the final field.
2026 The Everest Slot Holders
The confirmed The Everest 2026 slot holders and their chosen runners will be updated below as news comes in on what horses are running for who in The Everest field this year.
Confirmed 2026 The Everest Horses, Jockeys & Slot Holders
Below punters can stay up to date with the latest confirmed The Everest horses that have secured a slot in the 12-horse feature race at Randwick.
The 12 slot holders for the 2026 TAB Everest have been confirmed, with Inglis, Newgate & GPI Racing, Chris Waller Racing, Mulberry Racing, Coolmore, Fairway Thoroughbreds, James Harron, Max Whitby and partners, TAB, the Hong Kong Jockey Club/ATC, Yulong Investments, and Godolphin all securing positions in the world’s richest race on turf. Defending champion Ka Ying Rising has already been locked in to represent the Hong Kong Jockey Club slot, while exciting sprinter Ninja became the first locally trained horse confirmed for the 2026 field after being selected by Fairway Thoroughbreds.
| Slot Holder | Runner |
|---|---|
| Inglis | Spicy Martini |
| Newgate & GPI Racing | Blue Door |
| Chris Waller Racing | Joliestar |
| Mulberry Racing | Savvy Hallie |
| Coolmore | Giga Kick |
| Fairway Thoroughbreds | Ninja |
| James Harron Bloodstock | Caballus |
| Max Whitby, Steve McCann, Col Madden & Neil Werret | Headwall |
| TAB | Jimmysstar |
| Hong Kong Jockey Club / Australian Turf Club | Ka Ying Rising |
| Yulong Investments | Angel Capital |
| Godolphin | Tempted |
Stay tuned below as the 12 slots in The Everest Field are filled, the confirmed horses and jockeys along with the slot-holders to be listed below as positions are announced leading up to the race.
1. KA YING RISING
- Trainer: David Hayes
- Jockey: Zac Purton
- Barrier: 11
- Slot Holder: Hong Kong Jockey Club (leased from the Australian Turf Club)
Defending The Everest champion Ka Ying Rising has officially secured his place in the 2026 field after being selected to represent the Hong Kong Jockey Club slot, with trainer David Hayes confident the world’s highest-rated racehorse will return to Sydney as an even stronger proposition than the star sprinter who dominated last year’s race. The Hong Kong sensation arrives chasing a remarkable 21st consecutive victory after extending his winning streak to 21 races and lowering the Sha Tin 1200m track record with a blistering 1:06.11 performance in the Chief Executive’s Cup on September 6. Hayes believes the reigning The Everest winner has benefited both physically and mentally from his previous Sydney campaign, describing him as a “bigger and better horse” ahead of his title defence. Ka Ying Rising is scheduled to travel to Sydney before completing quarantine at Canterbury and remains a dominant favourite in early Everest betting as he bids to become just the second horse to win multiple editions of Australia’s richest race on turf.
2. JIMMYSSTAR
- Trainer: Ciaron Maher
- Jockey: Nash Rawiller
- Barrier: 8
- Slot Holder: TAB
Jimmysstar has officially secured a place in The Everest 2026, with owner Ozzie Kheir confirming the Ciaron Maher-trained four-time Group 1 winner will line up in the $20 million sprint at Royal Randwick after booking his spot with a brilliant last-start victory in the Manikato Stakes. A third-place finisher behind Ka Ying Rising and Tempted in last year’s race, Jimmysstar will be ridden by Nash Rawiller for the first time as connections aim to turn the tables on the star sprinting duo in Australia’s richest race on turf.
3. GIGA KICK
- Trainer: Clayton Douglas
- Jockey: Dylan Gibbons
- Barrier: 12
- Slot Holder: Coolmore
Former The Everest winner Giga Kick has secured the Coolmore slot for the 2026 running of the world’s richest turf race, with Dylan Gibbons booked to ride the Clayton Douglas-trained star. The seven-year-old boasts an outstanding Everest record, having won the race in 2022 and finished runner-up in 2024, while his recent spring runs suggest he’s building towards another peak performance. A Group 1 winner of the Champions Sprint last spring, Giga Kick could be a major threat again at Randwick, especially if rain arrives and the track deteriorates.
4. ANGEL CAPITAL
- Trainer: Chris Waller
- Jockey: Ben Melham
- Barrier: 2
- Slot Holder: Yulong Investments
Fresh off his breakthrough victory in the Group 1 Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes, Angel Capital has earned his place in the 2026 The Everest, with Yulong Investments confirming the talented son of Harry Angel as its representative in the world’s richest turf race. Trained by Chris Waller, Angel Capital stamped himself as a genuine Everest contender with his elite-level success at Caulfield and now gets the opportunity to test himself against the globe’s best sprinters at Royal Randwick. Having also contested the race in 2025, the rising star returns to the $20 million feature with stronger credentials, proven Group 1 form, and the backing of one of racing’s most powerful operations, giving Yulong a genuine chance to challenge for Everest glory on Australian racing’s biggest stage.
5. CABALLUS
- Trainer: Bjorn Baker
- Jockey: Tim Clark
- Barrier: 10
- Slot Holder: James Harron Bloodstock
After earning his place in the 2026 The Everest with a standout autumn campaign highlighted by victory in the Group 1 Newmarket Handicap, Caballus has been selected to represent James Harron Bloodstock in the $20 million Randwick sprint. The Bjorn Baker-trained gelding, raced by Darby Racing, joins stablemate Blue Door in the race after connections secured a deal with the long-time Everest slot holders. Resuming with a solid fifth in the Premiere Stakes, Caballus is expected to improve second-up as he chases Australia’s richest race.
6. HEADWALL
- Trainer: Matthew Smith
- Jockey: Kerrin McEvoy
- Barrier: 6
- Slot Holder: Max Whitby, Neil Werret, Col Madden & Steve McCann
After a frustrating injury setback dashed his Everest hopes in 2025, Headwall has completed a remarkable comeback story, securing a coveted slot in the 2026 The Everest for trainer Matthew Smith. The classy sprinter, who impressed with a strong return campaign highlighted by a runner-up finish in the Concorde Stakes, will represent the slot held by long-time Everest players Max Whitby, Neil Werrett, Col Madden and Steve McCann in the $20 million Randwick feature. His selection rewards patience from connections and gives Smith his long-awaited chance to compete in Australia’s richest turf race.
7. NINJA
- Trainer: Michael Freedman
- Jockey: Tommy Berry
- Barrier: 3
- Slot Holder: Fairway Thoroughbreds
Emerging sprint star Ninja became the first locally-trained runner confirmed for the 2026 The Everest after securing the Fairway Thoroughbreds slot on the back of his impressive Group 2 Missile Stakes victory at Royal Randwick. Prepared by Michael Freedman, the exciting four-year-old has quickly established himself as a leading contender for Australia’s richest race on turf and is expected to further strengthen his credentials through key lead-up races including The Shorts and Premiere Stakes. With his profile continuing to rise, Ninja is shaping as one of the most intriguing local hopes in the $20 million sprint as connections target spring racing’s biggest prizes.
8. JOLIESTAR
- Trainer: Chris Waller
- Jockey: James McDonald
- Barrier: 5
- Slot Holder: Chris Waller Racing
Joliestar has been confirmed for the Chris Waller Racing slot in the 2026 Everest, with the star mare set for her third consecutive appearance in the race after previously finishing seventh in 2024 and fifth behind Ka Ying Rising last year. The reigning Australian champion sprinter heads to Randwick in career-best form following Group 1 victories in the Canterbury Stakes and TJ Smith Stakes, along with a strong third at Royal Ascot, and remains one of the leading local hopes in this year’s $20 million feature.
9. TEMPTED
- Trainer: Ciaron Maher
- Jockey: Chad Schofield
- Barrier: 1
- Slot Holder: Godolphin
Tempted will once again represent Godolphin in The Everest 2026, with the outstanding Ciaron Maher-trained mare confirmed for a second shot at the $20 million sprint after finishing runner-up to Hong Kong champion Ka Ying Rising last year. The daughter of Street Boss heads into this year’s feature in career-best form, unbeaten in five starts throughout 2026 and coming off consecutive Group 2 victories in the Concorde Stakes and Premiere Stakes, with Chad Schofield booked to ride the second favoured contender at Royal Randwick.
10. SPICY MARTINI
- Trainer: Toby Edmonds
- Jockey: Taylor Marshall
- Barrier: 4
- Slot Holder: Inglis
Spicy Martini has secured Inglis’ slot in The Everest 2026, with the Toby Edmonds-trained mare officially confirmed for the world’s richest turf race on October 3. A remarkable success story after being purchased for just $8,000 through Inglis Digital, the Group 1 Stradbroke Handicap winner has since amassed more than $2.7 million in prizemoney and earned her shot at the $20 million sprint following a strong first-up fourth in The Shorts, while regular jockey Taylor Marshall has been retained for the coveted ride.
11. SAVVY HALLIE
-
- Trainer: Brad Widdup
- Jockey: Zac Lloyd
- Barrier: 7
- Slot Holder: Mulberry Racing
Savvy Hallie has earned Mulberry Racing’s slot in The Everest 2026 after the Brad Widdup-trained mare cemented her place in the $20 million sprint with a brave runner-up finish in the Group 2 Premiere Stakes at Randwick on October 3. The three-time Group 2 winner has enjoyed a terrific campaign, opening her spring with victory in the Sheraco Stakes before narrowly missing out behind fellow Everest contender Tempted, with connections opting to press on towards Royal Randwick’s feature sprint despite currently being one of the outsiders in early betting markets.
12. BLUE DOOR
- Trainer: Bjorn Baker
- Jockey: Jamie Melham
- Barrier: 9
- Slot Holder: Newgate & GPI Racing
Emerging three-year-old filly Blue Door has earned her shot at racing’s richest sprint after securing the coveted Newgate Stud & GPI Racing slot in the 2026 The Everest at Randwick. The Bjorn Baker-trained daughter of Stay Inside stamped her credentials with a dazzling victory in the Group 3 Heritage Stakes, convincing slot holders Newgate and GPI Racing to lock her into the $20 million feature. Owned by prominent racing figure John Singleton, Blue Door brings plenty of X-factor to this year’s Everest field, with her explosive speed, light weight and untapped upside making her one of the most intriguing runners set to line up in the world’s premier turf sprint. Jockey Jamie Melham has given up the Caulfield Cup ride on defending dual Cups’ champ Half Yours in favour of a ride on Blue Door in Sydney’s The Everest.
The Everest 2026 race field will be confirmed on Tuesday, October 13, 2025, and published below as soon as available.
The 2026 The Everest Barrier Draw will also be conducted confidentially on Tuesday morning and released to the public during a Racing NSW event that night following The Everest final acceptances around 8:00pm (AEDT).
The 12-horse The Everest 2026 field and confirmed barriers are officially out with the defending Hong Kong champion, Ka Ying Rising, odds-on favourite to go back-to-back but drawn wide out in gate 11 with Zac Purton back down under for the ride.
Click here to read more on The Everest 2026 field and contenders.
Click here for a full breakdown of The Everest 2026 barrier draw.
| No | Horse | Jockey | Trainer | Barrier | Weight | Age | Sex | Last Starts | Prize Money |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ka Ying Rising | Zac Purton | David A Hayes | 11 | 58.5kg | 6 | G | 111x1 | $29,202,984 |
| 2 | Jimmysstar | Nash Rawiller | Ciaron Maher | 8 | 58.5kg | 7 | G | 42x91 | $8,375,377 |
| 3 | Giga Kick | Dylan Gibbons | Clayton Douglas | 12 | 58.5kg | 7 | G | 20x08 | $15,395,345 |
| 4 | Angel Capital | Ben Melham | Chris Waller | 2 | 58.5kg | 5 | H | 6x301 | $2,872,850 |
| 5 | Caballus | Tim Clark | Bjorn Baker | 10 | 58.5kg | 6 | G | 216x5 | $2,396,145 |
| 6 | Headwall | Kerrin Mcevoy | Matthew Smith | 6 | 58.5kg | 7 | G | x1x25 | $2,368,450 |
| 7 | Ninja | Tommy Berry | Michael Freedman | 3 | 58.5kg | 4 | G | 15x19 | $1,272,730 |
| 8 | Joliestar | James McDonald | Chris Waller | 5 | 56.5kg | 6 | M | 1x3x2 | $9,406,499 |
| 9 | Tempted | Chad Schofield | Ciaron Maher | 1 | 56.5kg | 4 | M | 11x11 | $7,009,400 |
| 10 | Spicy Martini | Taylor Marshall | Toby Edmonds | 4 | 56.5kg | 5 | M | 121x4 | $2,733,750 |
| 11 | Savvy Hallie | Zac Lloyd | Brad Widdup | 7 | 56.5kg | 4 | M | 0x712 | $1,340,510 |
| 12 | Blue Door | Jamie Melham | Bjorn Baker | 9 | 51kg | 3 | F | 1x221 | $364,825 |
| 13 | Overpass | Unknown | Bjorn Baker | 13 | 58.5kg | 8 | G | 4x30x | $12,691,092 |
| 14 | Charm Stone | Unknown | Mick Price & Michael Kent Jnr | 14 | 56.5kg | 6 | M | x43x3 | $2,876,025 |
| 15 | Skybird | Unknown | Mitchell Freedman | 15 | 56.5kg | 6 | M | 70x61 | $1,800,425 |
| 16 | Marhoona | Unknown | Michael Freedman | 16 | 56.5kg | 4 | M | 14x63 | $4,064,150 |
The Everest Barrier & Speedmap
The Everest History
2026 The Everest Prize Money
The Everest is now the richest turf race in the world with $20 million in total prize money on offer. Prize money in The Everest race is paid down to 12th giving all runners in the field a share in the stakes.
A horse in The Everest results would need to run fifth to pay back the $600,000 entry fee for connections.
- 1st: $7,000,000
- 2nd: $2,900,000
- 3rd: $2,000,000
- 4th: $1,500,000
- 5th: $1,200,000
- 6th: $950,000
- 7th: $700,000
- 8th: $700,000
- 9th: $700,000
- 10th: $700,000
- 11th: $700,000
- 12th: $700,000
The first ever The Everest results and inaugural The Everest winner was decided when the then $10 million took place in October of 2017, Redzel making history with his impressive victory.
For the second edition of The Everest race, the Australian Turf Club (ATC) and Racing NSW increased the overall prize money to an incredible $13 million and Redzel was back in winning form posting back-to-back wins in The Everest.
The Everest history was made for the third running in 2019 with three-year-old Yes Yes Yes defeating a field of seasoned sprinters to set a new track record.
The records continued in the 2020 edition with jockey Kerrin McEvoy winning his third The Everest aboard Classique Legend, the horse the first favourite to get the job done.
Waller won his second The Everest trophy in 2021 with Nature Strip.
In 2022 Giga Kick became the second three-year-old The Everest winner in history, the first undefeated horse to win the event and the longest-priced champion at 20/1.
The 2023 The Everest results saw the Joe Pride-trained Think About It salute as the $4.40 favourite defeating I Wish I Win and the fellow Pride-trained Private Eye who had run second in the race the year before.
In 2023 The Everest prize money increased to $20 million.
In 2024 Bella Nipotina became the first ever mare to win The Everest.
The internationals were on top in 2025 with Ka Ying Rising, prepared in Hong Kong by trainer David Hayes, winning The Everest for slot holders the Hong Kong Jockey Club.
Check out the full list of past The Everest winners, race history and results.Â
The Everest Previous Race Winners
| Year | Place | Horse | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 The Everest |
1st | TBD | TBD |
| 2nd | TBD | ||
| 3rd | TBD | ||
| 2025 The Everest |
1st | Ka Ying Rising | 1 minute 8.13 seconds |
| 2nd | Tempted | ||
| 3rd | Jimmysstar | ||
| 2024 The Everest |
1st | Bella Nipotina | 1 minute 8.76 seconds |
| 2nd | Giga Kick | ||
| 3rd | Growing Empire | ||
| 2023 The Everest |
1st | Think About It | 1 minute 7.64 seconds |
| 2nd | I Wish I Win | ||
| 3rd | Private Eye | ||
| 2022 The Everest |
1st | Giga Kick | 1 minute 9.86 seconds |
| 2nd | Private Eye | ||
| 3rd | Mazu | ||
| 2021 The Everest |
1st | Nature Strip | 1 minute 9.11 seconds |
| 2nd | Masked Crusader | ||
| 3rd | Eduardo | ||
| 2020 The Everest |
1st | Classique Legend | 1 minute 8.27 seconds |
| 2nd | Bivouac | ||
| 3rd | Gytrash | ||
| 2019 The Everest |
1st | Yes Yes Yes | 1 minute 7.32 seconds (R) |
| 2nd | Santa Ana Lane | ||
| 3rd | Trekking | ||
| 2018 The Everest |
1st | Redzel | 1 minute 12.03 seconds |
| 2nd | Trapeze Artist | ||
| 3rd | Osborne Bulls | ||
| 2017 The Everest |
1st | Redzel | 1 minute 8.36 seconds |
The Everest FAQs
What is The Everest?
The Everest is Australia’s richest horse race and the world’s richest race on turf, run over 1200 metres at Royal Randwick in Sydney each spring.
When is The Everest run?
The Everest is traditionally held in October during the Sydney Spring Racing Carnival and is one of the feature race days on the Australian racing calendar. The 2026 edition is scheduled for Saturday October 17, 2026.
How much is The Everest worth?
The Everest currently offers $20 million in prizemoney, making it the richest race in Australia and one of the richest horse races in the world.
What distance is The Everest?
The Everest is contested over 1200 metres under weight-for-age conditions.
How does The Everest slot-holder system work?
The field is limited to 12 runners, with each horse required to secure one of 12 slots held by racing organisations, owners, breeders, wagering operators, or investors. Slot holders can select, lease, sell, or partner with the owners of a horse to secure a place in the field.
Where is The Everest run?
The Everest is held at Royal Randwick Racecourse in Sydney, New South Wales.
Who can run in The Everest?
The race is open to three-year-olds and older horses, provided they have secured a slot in the field through one of the race’s 12 slot holders.
Who won the first Everest?
Redzel won the inaugural Everest in 2017 and successfully defended his crown in 2018, becoming the race’s first dual winner.
Has any horse won The Everest more than once?
Yes. Redzel won back-to-back editions in 2017 and 2018, while several other champion sprinters have attempted to emulate the feat.
How is The Everest field selected?
Slot holders negotiate with horse owners and trainers throughout the year before announcing their chosen runners in the lead-up to the race.
Which lead-up races are important for The Everest?
Key lead-up races include The Shorts, Concorde Stakes, Premiere Stakes, Moir Stakes, Schillaci Stakes and other elite sprint races during the spring.
Who is the favourite for The Everest?
The favourite varies from year to year depending on form, barriers, and market movements. The latest Everest betting markets are typically released months before the race. In 2026 the defending champion and world’s fastest racehorse, Hong Kong’s Ka Ying Rising, is set to start the odds-on favourite in The Everest betting at Ladbrokes.Â
When is The Everest barrier draw conducted?
The official barrier draw held on the Tuesday of race week.
Where can I find The Everest field and form guide?
The latest Everest field, barriers, betting odds, form guide, tips, and race news can be found right here on Races.com.au.
The Everest Big Bets
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- Which runner has the best trainer/jockey combo at Randwick?
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Want to discover value runners using smart form suggestions?
Form Genius is a powerful form analysis tool that makes doing the form easy by getting through mountains of data at the touch of a button! Ask it anything and get fast, form-based answers on any runner, jockey or trainer in any race. Use the smart prompts for deep insights and to sharpen your punting even further.
Get Free Access to Form Genius Now| The Everest 2026 | |
|---|---|
| Date: | Saturday October 17, 2026 |
| Track: | Royal Randwick Racecourse |
| Distance: | 1200m |
| Race Type: | Weight-for-age |
| Status: | Group 1 (as of 2024) |
| Prize Money: | $20 million |
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