your guide to the Group 1 race worth $20million

For racing fans in Sydney, the Everest at Royal Randwick – now officially a Group 1 race – is the sporting equivalent of Christmas Day.

Worth a whopping $20million – including $7million in prizemoney alone to the winner – close to 50,000 people are tipped to burst through the gates on Saturday.

The race itself – a sprint over 1200m – is an open affair this year, with the Peter Moody trained I Wish I Win ($5.50) the early favourite ahead of Chris Waller’s Joliestar ($6).

James Cummings’ Traffic Warden ($8) – with Jamie Kah in the saddle –  also looks hard to beat.

Here’s what you need to know about the Everest 2024 runners.

This year’s Everest field (barrier in brackets)

1. I Wish I Win (9)

Jockey: Luke Nolen 

Trainers: Peter Moody and Katherine Coleman 

Best Odds: $6

The low down: Outstanding sprinter who went close to winning this race last year and can launch at the field late. Pre-race favourite for a reason.

2. Giga Kick (3)

Jockey: Mark Zahra 

Trainer: Clayton Douglas 

Best Odds: $14

The low down: The 2022 Everest winner, elite hoop in Mark Zahra. Price looks juicy.

3. Private Eye (10)

Jockey: Jay Ford 

Trainer: Joseph Pride 

Best Odds: $26

The low down: Tricky barrier, prefer others.

4. Bella Nipotina (12)

Jockey: Craig Williams 

Trainer: Ciaron Maher 

Best Odds: $8.50

The low down: One of Australia’s best sprinters, but the barrier is a huge concern. Prefer the place.

5. I Am Me (1)

Jockey: Nash Rawiller 

Trainer: Ciaron Maher 

Best Odds: $17

The low down: Quality field is likely to see her outclassed.

6. Stefi Magnetica (6)

Jockey: Zac Lloyd 

Trainer: Bjorn Baker 

Best Odds: $14

The low down: On the rise mare, jockey also one to watch.

7. Sunshine In Paris (8)

Jockey: Tommy Berry 

Trainers: Annabel Neasham and Rob Archibald 

Best Odds: $9

The low down: Should be in the mix late, commands serious respect.

8. Joliestar (4)

Jockey: James McDonald 

Trainer: Chris Waller 

Best Odds: $6

The low down: Looks hard to beat, especially with ‘J-Mac’ on board.

9. Growing Empire (7)

Jockey: Kerrin McEvoy 

Trainer: Ciaron Maher 

Best Odds: $9

The low down: Talented colt and jockey Kerrin McEvoy loves the big occasion – he is a three-time Everest winner.

10. Traffic Warden (2)

Jockey: Jamie Kah 

Trainer: James Cummings 

Best Odds: $8

The low down: Ideal gate, strong preparation. Don’t dismiss.

11. Storm Boy (5)

Jockey: Brenton Avdulla 

Trainer: Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott 

Best Odds: $12

The low down: Inconsistent colt – but if he jumps well, could be hard to run down.

12. Lady Of Camelot (11)

Jockey: Rachel King 

Trainer: Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott 

Best Odds: $41

The low down: Golden Slipper winner last year – and that is likely to remain her career highlight.

What is the start time?

Horses are expected to jump from the barriers at 4.15pm on Saturday afternoon AEDT, as the seventh race of a 10-strong card.

Where can I watch the Everest if I don’t have a ticket?

Channel 7 will screen the race on free-to-air TV, with coverage also on Sky Racing.

7 Plus is a streaming option. 

 How much does the winner get?

The total prizemoney for the Everest remains at $20million, retaining its spot as the world’s richest turf race.

The winner will take home a cool $7million, with $2.9million for the runner up and $2million for third. Those who place between 7th and 12th will receive $700,000 each.

The Everest: Past winners

2017 – Redzel

2018 – Redzel

2019 – Yes Yes Yes

2020 – Classique Legend

2021 – Nature Strip

2022 – Giga Kick

2023 – Think About It