Chances are you're about to lose.
For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au
The race towards The Everest 2026 is entering its final stages with eight of the 12 coveted slots now filled for the world’s richest race on turf, headlined by the return of defending champion Ka Ying Rising and a strong local challenge led by Tempted, Jimmysstar, Ninja, and exciting three-year-old filly Blue Door.
With four slots still available ahead of final declarations on October 13, the shape of the $20 million sprint at Royal Randwick on October 17 is becoming clearer, and all roads appear to lead to a highly anticipated rematch between Hong Kong superstar Ka Ying Rising and the Australian horses who chased him home last spring.
Ka Ying Rising Returns Chasing Everest History
- Slot Holder: Hong Kong Jockey Club (leased from the Australian Turf Club)
- Breeding: by SHAMEXPRESS (IRE) from MISSY MOO (NZ)
- Age/Sex: 6YO Gelding
- Trainer: David Hayes
- Jockey: Zac Purton
- Barrier: TBC
- Owners: Ka Ying Syndicate
The world’s highest-rated racehorse and reigning Everest champion Ka Ying Rising was the first sprinter to officially secure his start in the Hong Kong Jockey Club slot as he attempts to become just the second multiple winner of The Everest.
The David Hayes-trained sensation arrives in Sydney seeking an astonishing 21st consecutive victory after once again dominating at Sha Tin, lowering the 1200m track record to 1:06.11 in the Chief Executive’s Cup on September 6.
Hayes is adamant the superstar gelding has improved since winning last year’s Everest.
“I say conservatively he is 10 per cent better,” Hays said.
The veteran trainer has repeatedly described the gelding as a “bigger and better horse” following his successful Sydney campaign in 2025, believing both the experience and maturity gained over the past 12 months have elevated him to another level.
With Zac Purton once again taking the ride, Ka Ying Rising remains the dominant favourite in early Everest betting.
Ka Ying Rising was narrowly beaten by fellow Everest contender Ninja in a 1000m Randwick barrier trial on Tuesday morning, but Hayes and Purton were both encouraged by the performance on a Soft 7 surface.
Hayes noted the Hong Kong hero was not ideally suited by the rain-affected ground.
“He got into a nice rhythm and had a really good look around as he did last year,” he told the media.
“I think the longer grass and the softer surface was not ideal. I was happier this year than last year.”
Purton added: “He got through it OK and there was a bit more there, but he certainly appreciates it when it’s a hard deck. I think he’s just feeling the ground for where he’s at. I think he handled himself better in the trial this morning. He got around with a little bit more purpose. I liked when the other horse came to him and he wanted to fight.”
The 21-time consecutive winner remains the dominant favourite for The Everest 2026 at $1.35 through Ladbrokes despite the minor defeat in his final public hit-out before the $20 million sprint.
Tempted Gets Another Shot at the Champion
- Slot Holder: Godolphin
- Breeding: by STREET BOSS (USA) from CALLIOPE
- Age/Sex: 4YO Mare
- Trainer: Ciaron Maher
- Jockey: Chad Schofield
- Barrier: TBC
- Owners: Godolphin
The mare most expected to challenge Ka Ying Rising is last year’s Everest runner-up Tempted, who has been confirmed for Godolphin’s slot after producing a devastating display in Saturday’s Group 2 Premiere Stakes.
Now unbeaten through five starts in 2026, the Ciaron Maher-trained daughter of Street Boss heads to Randwick in career-best form after adding the Concorde Stakes and Premiere Stakes to her impressive resume.
Godolphin Australia managing director Andy Makiv was glowing in his assessment of the mare.
“She is an outstanding mare, unbeaten in 2026 and I’m sure she will represent Godolphin extremely well,” he said.
Makiv also highlighted her importance to the global operation.
“As a Godolphin homebred, we are all very proud of her and the thrill she gives us on raceday,” he added.
Jockey Chad Schofield is equally eager for the rematch.
“I can’t wait to aim her at Ka Ying Rising,” Schofield said.
Having finished second to the Hong Kong star last year, Tempted now gets her chance to turn the tables and the mare is on the second line of current The Everest betting at $6.
Jimmysstar Secures Everest Return
- Slot Holder: TBC
- Breeding: by PER INCANTO (USA) from ANNIESSTAR (NZ)
- Age/Sex: 7YO Gelding
- Trainer: Ciaron Maher
- Jockey: Nash Rawiller
- Barrier: TBC
- Owners: Mr A Kheir, Mr J A O’Neill, A K Racing, Mrs C A Algie, Ciaron Maher Racing, Mr J Steet, Carty Racing, Mr T R Maddern, Red Rocks and Crocks, S and D Racing, Mr B D Nettlefold, Mr S A Lewin, GC 600 Syndicate, Mrs C R Williams, Mr A S Williams, Solscaf Racing, Mr P M Algie, Cookie Racing
The second member of Maher’s Everest team is Jimmysstar, whose brilliant Group 1 Manikato Stakes victory secured his place in the field.
Owner Ozzie Kheir confirmed the four-time Group 1 winner would line up in the race after initially facing an uncertain path to Randwick.
“Jimmysstar will take his place in the 2026 Everest and will have Nash Rawiller aboard,” he said.
Kheir said the gelding had earned his place in the race.
“Although we are racing against two standouts and many other worthy participants, we feel Jimmy having been a last-start Group 1 winner needs to be present in the richest sprint in Australia,” he added.
Just weeks ago Kheir suggested an Everest berth was “probably more unlikely than likely” unless the horse did something special.
He delivered exactly that, storming home from last to claim the Manikato Stakes and force his way into contention.
A third-place finisher behind Ka Ying Rising and Tempted in the 2025 Everest, Jimmysstar now returns with Nash Rawiller taking over the reins on the current $13 third favourite.
Blue Door Adds Exciting Three-Year-Old X-Factor
- Slot Holder: Newgate & GPI Racing
- Breeding: by STAY INSIDE from NOTTING HILL
- Age/Sex: 3YO Filly
- Trainer: Bjorn Baker
- Jockey: Jamie Melham
- Barrier: TBC
- Owners: Strawberry Hill Stud, Ms J Singleton
One of the most fascinating runners in the 2026 field is emerging filly Blue Door, who secured the Newgate Stud and GPI Racing slot following her dazzling Group 3 Heritage Stakes victory.
The Bjorn Baker-trained daughter of Stay Inside has become one of the stories of the spring and brings a significant weight advantage into the race.
Newgate principal Henry Field outlined why the slot holders were so keen to secure her services.
“She is naturally very fast, she’s in outstanding form, and three-year-olds have such a strong record in the race,” Field said.
Prominent owner John Singleton has also pointed to the appealing 51kg weight she will carry against older rivals.
Adding further intrigue, Jamie Melham elected to ride Blue Door in Sydney rather than partner defending Caulfield Cup and Melbourne Cup champion Half Yours in Melbourne on the same day.
Ninja and Headwall Lock in Their Places
- Slot Holder: Fairway Thoroughbreds
- Breeding: by FARNAN from IMPULSIVE
- Age/Sex: 4YO Gelding
- Trainer: Michael Freedman
- Jockey: TBC
- Barrier: TBC
- Owners: MyRacehorse No. 1, Fairway Thoroughbreds, Mr G M Funnell, Widden Stud Pty Ltd, Bundarra Breeding and Racing Pty Ltd, Sledmere Stud, Torryburn Stud, G1G Colts & Breeding Pty Ltd, McDonnell Thoroughbreds, Miss S Kaur, Mr S Patel, Mr J Livingstone
The first locally-trained horse confirmed for this year’s Everest was Ninja, who earned the Fairway Thoroughbreds slot after his impressive first-up Missile Stakes victory.
Prepared by Michael Freedman, the rising four-year-old announced himself as a genuine Everest contender earlier in the spring and remains one of the more intriguing runners despite not having raced since finishing ninth in The Shorts.
Joining him is comeback star Headwall, whose Everest dream was cruelly postponed when injury sidelined him last year.
- Slot Holder: Max Whitby, Neil Werret, Col Madden & Steve McCann
- Breeding: by DREAM AHEAD (USA) from POSITIVE QUEST
- Age/Sex: 7YO Gelding
- Trainer: Matthew Smith
- Jockey: TBC
- Barrier: TBC
- Owners: Mr R A Young, Mr J H Marsden, Mrs A M Adam, Mrs N Der Sarkissian
After recovering from a bone chip issue that ended his 2025 campaign, the Matthew Smith-trained seven-year-old has returned in excellent order, highlighted by his runner-up finish behind Tempted in the Concorde Stakes.
His selection by long-time slot holders Max Whitby, Neil Werrett, Col Madden and Steve McCann completes one of the feel-good stories of the carnival.
Fairytale Mare Spicy Martini Earns Inglis Slot
- Slot Holder: Inglis
- Breeding: by JUSTIFY (USA) from EXTRA OLIVES
- Age/Sex: 5YO Mare
- Trainer: Toby Edmonds
- Jockey: Taylor Marshall
- Barrier: TBC
- Owners: Miss H R Penfold, A R E Investments, Mr C W White, Mr D J Tamblyn, Mr D J Tamblyn, Mr A Daffy, Felgate Holdings, Mr D L Turner, Mr K R Green, Mr B A Membrey, Mr M R Magarry, Just S
One of racing’s great success stories has also secured a place in the field after Spicy Martini was chosen to represent Inglis.
Purchased for just $8,000 through Inglis Digital, the Toby Edmonds-trained mare has now won more than $2.7 million and earned her chance at the richest race of her career.
Inglis chief executive Sebastian Hutch explained the appeal.
“We have had an eye on her for some time and believe she is capable of posting a career best effort in The Everest,” Hutch said.
Managing owner Holly Penfold reflected on the remarkable journey.
“We bought this horse on Inglis Digital for $8000, she’s already won us $2.7m from 13 starts and now she’s running in a $20m race,” he said.
Taylor Marshall, who guided the mare to Group 1 success in the Stradbroke Handicap, retains the mount.
Savvy Hallie Completes the Confirmed Eight
- Slot Holder: Mulberry Racing
- Breeding: by HELLBENT from ROSE OF SAVANNAH
- Age/Sex: 4YO Mare
- Trainer: Brad Widdup
- Jockey: TBC
- Barrier: TBC
- Owners: B K Racing & Breeding Pty Ltd, Mr B J Vassallo
The latest addition to the field is Savvy Hallie, who secured Mulberry Racing’s slot after a courageous second behind Tempted in the Premiere Stakes.
The Brad Widdup-trained mare has enjoyed a superb spring campaign, winning the Sheraco Stakes before proving herself against elite company throughout the carnival.
While she currently sits among the outsiders in betting at $51, her consistency and toughness convinced connections she deserved a crack at The Everest.
Four Slots Remain Available
With eight runners confirmed, attention now turns to the remaining vacant slots.
Chris Waller’s slot is widely expected to go to elite mare Joliestar, while Yulong continues to assess Group 1 winner Angel Capital. Coolmore must find a replacement after Guest House suffered a spring-ending injury, and James Harron Bloodstock is also yet to reveal its representative.
Regardless of how the final four places are filled, the 2026 edition is already shaping as a blockbuster contest featuring a champion defending his crown, a red-hot unbeaten mare, proven Group 1 stars, a rising three-year-old filly, and several inspiring underdog stories.
The Everest may still be over a week away, but the battle lines have already been drawn.
The Everest 2026 Odds
| 1. Ka Ying Rising (S) | ||
| 2. Tempted (S) | ||
| 3. Jimmysstar (S) | ||
| 4. Joliestar | ||
| 5. Warwoven | ||
| 6. Headwall (S) | ||
| 7. Ninja (S) | ||
| 8. Angel Capital | ||
| 9. The Next Episode | ||
| 10. Blue Door (S) | ||
| 11. St Gotthard | ||
| 12. Extragalactic | ||
| 13. Giga Kick | ||
| 14. Natural Fling | ||
| 15. Overpass | ||
| 16. Satono Glow | ||
| 17. Savvy Hallie (S) | ||
| 18. Spicy Martini (S) | ||
| 19. Under Focus | ||
| 20. Bassett Hound |
