Find out what the jockeys made of their mounts after the $20,000,000 The Everest (1200m) at Randwick.
Sam Clipperton (Think About It): “I had such a nice run in the race and travelled so well. This stuff doesn’t happen, it just went too perfect. I guess that’s what very good horses do, maybe even champions, they eliminate the opposition.”
“I’m just so privileged to be in a position of riding this horse. I had my apprenticeship here at Randwick with Ron Quinton and I know every blade of grass at this joint. If you had have told me when I started that I was going to win an Everest well A, The Everest didn’t exist and now it’s exploded into one of the most incredible races in the world and I’m just incredibly proud.
“I can’t believe it. I was visualising this since he won The Premiere, I just thought he’s got too many gears they won’t beat him. I couldn’t say that out loud but that’s what it felt and he’s just proven me right.”
Luke Nolen (I Wish I Win): “He was terrific. The draw probably did us no favours. I thought he was every hope but brave under the circumstances. Just didn’t get the chance to find free air and build. He has run super. The run of the race. They run this every year so we got a little bit this year so I hope we get a lot more next year.”
Nash Rawiller (Private Eye): “He was very gallant. Got into a position where you don’t want to be. Same time he got very comfortable. Was just watching Think About It the whole race and wishing I was where you are. My bloke travelled up beautifully. Gave his heart and soul and will be there in a couple of weeks time.”
Tommy Berry (Mazu): “Over the moon early to find the back of I Wish I Win and just went looking for runs at the top of the straight and got one for a couple of strides and then it closed. Good to see that he has come back well.”
Josh Parr (Overpass): “No good. He was unable to quicken and let go. The last 400m of the race was very plain. Somewhat confused.”
Dylan Gibbons (Buenos Noches): “Lucky not to come down at the point of the corner. Shame it had to happen today.”
James McDonald (Hawaii Five Oh): “He went really well. He boxed on nicely. Just hard from out there. Worked into a nice spot and let down strongly.”
Craig Williams (Alcohol Free): “She was able to use her speed to get outside a strong tempo. The track is too firm for her today. She would have felt the effects of today. Will be more acclimatised after this prep and also over further with less pressure.”
Zac Purton (In Secret): “Really really good run. Just got stuck behind Shinzo who couldn’t really hold his spot. Dragged me out of it a little bit. Once I was able to get around him and then come through she was very good.”
Hugh Bowman (Espiona): No comment
Kerrin McEvoy (Shinzo): “I thought he ran really well. Didn’t have a smooth transition from the 600m to the 300m really. Horse on the outside laid on him. Ran a good race. Best work was his last part. I’m sure there is more to come from him.”
Zac Lloyd (Cylinder): “Fantastic run. At the top of the straight I thought I was a sneaky chance. Quickened with the winner and in the last 200m found a few a bit stronger than him at this stage. He’s a great colt.”
