Everest denied Group 1 status

A PUSH to make The Everest a Group 1 race has been rejected because of Victorian racing industry concerns that the Sydney sprint is stealing the limelight from the Caulfield Cup.

At the recent Racing Australia board meeting, a proposal to elevate the $13 million The Everest to Group 1 level was canvassed as the race’s first running, won by Redzel last October, rated as clearly the best sprint race held in Australia for the year.

But sources said the Victorian bloc on the Racing Australia board used its power of veto to prevent The Everest receiving elite race status.

The potential clash between The Everest and the Caulfield Cup next year is one of the reasons for the rejection.

The Everest was deliberately positioned two weeks after the NRL grand final to get clear air in the crowded sporting market and this means next year’s race will be on October 19, the same day as the Caulfield Cup.

It is believed if The Everest were shifted to earlier in spring, it may gain Group 1 status, but this could compromise the race’s success.

The Everest attracted record betting turnover for a NSW race and unprecedented national and international media coverage — all essential criteria for a Group 1 race.

Racing Australia did approve the Australian Pattern Committee recommendation to elevate the $500,000 Sydney Stakes to Group 3 level — leading to the unusual situation where the consolation sprint run the same day as The Everest would boast a higher stakes grading than the world’s richest turf race.

The Everest’s mid-October race date means it has very little impact on the Melbourne spring carnival sprint program.