Australia’s richest race has been given the status to match its $20 million purse after Racing Australia announced on Wednesday that The Everest and Melbourne’s All Star Mile have been elevated to group 1 races.
Racing NSW chief executive Peter V’landys, who was part of the creation of The Everest eight years ago, was delighted the race has been granted racing’s ultimate acknowledgement.
Sam Clipperton lifts the Everest trophy after winning aboard Think About It last year.Credit: Getty
“The Everest has deserved this recognition,” V’landys said. “It has been the highest-rated sprint in the world most years since it began, and the highest-rated race in Australia.
“If group 1 status means anything, it had to be a group 1.”
A group 1 rating gives the race recognition among the elite races of the world. Racing Australia announced the two upgrades on Wednesday after they were ratified by the Asian Racing Federation last week, and it left open the possibility of further race upgrades.
“Following the recent agreement and adoption of the Australian Black Type Guidelines by the Racing Australia Board, a review of races under those guidelines is being conducted,” the Racing Australia statement read.
Giga Kick powers away to win The Everest in 2022.Credit: Getty
“As a priority, The Everest and The All Star Mile have been determined to have achieved the criteria and will be recognised as a group 1.
“Whilst these upgrades will take immediate effect, further analysis and review of all black type races is being undertaken with the expectation that further announcements will be made in the near future.”