The Peter & Paul Snowden-trained Redzel has made history winning The Everest 2017 and the $5.8 million in prize money for first in what is now the richest turf race in the world.

Redzel made history winning the inaugural edition of The Everest race in 2017. Photo: Steve Hart.

Representing slot-holder James Harron Bloodstock, the flying Snitzel five-year-old proved he was as good as Team Snowden’s confidence suggested he would be, beating the best sprinters in the land to take out the inaugural $10 million The Everest (1200m) at Royal Randwick.

The Snitzel gelding was purposely kept fresh after his Group 2 The Shorts (1100m) win at the track on September 16 and it paid off.

Redzel was one of the best in The Everest betting and in the end did it easy, leaving his 11 rivals standing still for his barnstorming finish in the weight-for-age feature.

At the peak of his career, the star galloper made it five wins on the trot and is now one of Australia’s leading prize money earners with over $7 million thanks to his impressive The Everest success.

“It’s amazing to think that it’s grown to such a level that it has,” Chris Ward from Triple Crown Syndications that race Redzel said of The Everest after the win.

“$5.8 million puts him in the top 10 money earners in Australia believe it or not

“It’s been well documented that they’re [Team Snowden] grand final trainers and we had a lot of confidence in them that they’d have the horse right for the day.”

Jockey Kerrin McEvoy jumped back in the saddle of Redzel having previously ridden him first-up in the Group 3 Concorde Stakes (1000m) this spring.

A few thought Redzel may prove a little vulnerable against such a crack field of sprinters getting out to 1200m, but the horse put the doubters to bed in a dominant finish.

“He’s a little star,” winning hoop McEvoy said after the race.

“So privileged to be riding these horses for Peter and Paul Snowden, master horsemen, job well done to them.

“They were so patient with this fella early in his career and it’s paying dividends now.

“What a race to win.

“So exciting to be a part of it, such a huge buzz.”

The Magic Millions Classic winning filly Houtzen led The Everest field around after pushing forward to hold out Redzel for the early lead, while the ‘Grey Flash’ Chautauqua settled at the back of the pack.

Houtzen set the pace on the inside of Redzel who was travelling sweetly second on her outside into the turn, but once on the straight it was all about the eventual The Everest winner.

Redzel burst clear with 150m left to travel after his excellent on-pace ride, holding out the beaten Lindsay Park-trained favourite Vega Magic who was luckless getting too far back in a gallant performance for second.

Rounding out The Everest trifecta in third was the Darren Weir-trained Japanese import Brave Smash who did well for third win the blinkers going on.

Triple TJ Smith Stakes winner at the track and distance, Chautauqua couldn’t make up the ground again and finished fourth in The Everest results.

All honours though lie with Redzel who made his own luck and enjoyed a historical victory in the inaugural edition of the event.

“This horse was drawn a good gate…couldn’t have worked out any better in the run just got a dream run outside the leader,” McEvoy said.

“The Snowdens had a plan to give him a month between runs and pulled it off beautifully.

“Thrilled to win the first one.”

Paul Snowden was emotional post-win, saying the key to Redzel came about 12 months ago when they started spacing his runs.

“It’s very hard to believe but we’ve done it,” he said.

“He’s only five and he’s pretty much at the peak of his career.

“Probably 12 months ago was the turning point, we decided to train him different and space his runs…just ideal for this horse.

“It won’t sink in until tomorrow.”

Peter Snowden described The Everest win as “so good” and said it wasn’t just about the money.

“The money’s great don’t get me wrong but for me it was all about the race and beating the best sprinters in the world and beating them that well today fills me with tremendous pride,” he said.

“Absolutely [set him for this next year].”

To back The Everest 2017 winner Redzel next race at the best price head to Ladbrokes.com.au.

2017 The Everest Results & Finishing Order

Randwick Race 8 – 14/10/2017