Cover image courtesy of The Image Is Everything
After much speculation, Racing Australia announced on Wednesday that the upgrades to Group 1 status for both The Everest and the All-Star Mile had been ratified internationally.
The press release reads as follows:
“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. As a priority, the following races have been determined to have achieved the criteria and will be recognised as a Group 1:
The Everest and The All-Star Mile
The All-Star Mile and The Everest race upgrades have been ratified internationally. 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.”
Industry responds to the news
“I’m personally delighted that they've been upgraded to Group 1. The Everest certainly merits being a Group 1 on the calibre of horses that have competed in it and won it over the last seven years. Notwithstanding the slot nature of the race, where it’s not an open race. Commerciality ensures you get the best field."
-- Jon Freyer about The Everest
“It’s fantastic news and having spoken to a lot of industry participants over the last few weeks, it’s very well-received that it’s getting Group 1 recognition that it deserves. It’s wonderful to see the collaboration carried out from both states to get to this point.”
-- James Harron about The Everest
“It’s fantastic news... it’s very well-received that it’s getting Group 1 recognition that it deserves. It’s wonderful to see the collaboration carried out from both states to get to this point.” - James Harron
“I think it’s fantastic, it’s a high-class race and it’s been given the status it deserves. It’s obviously going to be an exciting renewal next year. It’s fantastic to have its statue recognised for the quality it is."
Sam Fairgray about The All-Star Mile
Cummings and Bott have their say
“This will give The Everest the recognition it deserves,” Godolphin's James Cummings told racenet.com.au. “We have been approaching the race with all the respect of a Group 1 and now it is official.”
“The depth and quality of The Everest fields since the race's inception has been of Group 1 quality and it is important the race is recognized as a Group 1,” trainer Adrian Bott told racenet.com.au. “We hope to have two runners in the race including Lady Of Camelot, the Golden Slipper winner who will be ridden by Rachel King. Coolmore (slot holder and owner) is weighing what the best options are for Storm Boy and Brenton Avdulla is on standby for the ride.”
“The depth and quality of The Everest fields since the race's inception has been of Group 1 quality and it is important the race is recognized as a Group 1.” - Adrian Bott
A Racing Victoria statement said, “We note and welcome Racing Australia's announcement that The All-Star Mile has been upgraded to Group 1 status, a decision ratified by the Asian Racing Federation. The All-Star Mile has surpassed the Group 1 rating benchmark of 115 in each of its six editions and thus is worthy of carrying this elite status.
“This year's All-Star Mile winner Pride Of Jenni was crowned Australian Racehorse of the Year last night and superstars in Mr Brightside and Zaaki precede her on the honour roll. With The All-Star Mile finding a new home at Flemington on Super Saturday 2025 (March 8), the race is now firmly entrenched as Victoria's premier mile race of the autumn and a key feature on the Australian racing calendar.”
Gallery: Industry participants share their thoughts, images courtesy of The Image Is Everything
The Everest: previous winners & ratings
With the 2024 field essentially settled, this year’s G1 The Everest will take place on October 19. The race, first run seven years ago, has been won by many of Australia’s top sprinters and there could be little doubt as to the quality of the runners. Having both races ratified internationally is a big achievement for Australia.
| 2017 | Redzel | 5YO Gelding | Peter and Paul Snowden | Kerrin McEvoy | James Harron |
| 2018 | Redzel | 6YO Gelding | Peter and Paul Snowden | Kerrin McEvoy | Yulong Investments |
| 2019 | Yes Yes Yes | 3YO Colt | Chris Waller | Glen Boss | Chris Waller Racing |
| 2020 | Classique Legend | 5YO Gelding | Les Bridge | Kerrin McEvoy | Boniface Ho |
| 2021 | Nature Strip | 7YO Gelding | Chris Waller | James McDonald | Chris Waller Racing |
| 2022 | Giga Kick | 3YO Gelding | Clayton Douglas | Craig Williams | James Harron |
| 2023 | Think About It | 5YO Gelding | Joseph Pride | Sam Clipperton | Newgate/GPI Racing |
The Everest has been rated: 120.50 (2023/2024), 120.80 (2022/2023), 120.50 (2021/2022) in it’s last three versions.
The All-Star Mile: previous winners & ratings
The All-Star Mile was first run in 2019, won by Mystic Journey (Needs Further).
| 2019 | Flemington | Mystic Journey | 3YO Filly | Anthony Darmanin | Adam Trindler |
| 2020 | Caulfield | Regal Power | 4YO Gelding | William Pike | Grant & Alana Williams |
| 2021 | The Valley | Mugatoo (Ire) | 6YO Gelding | Hugh Bowman | Kris Lees |
| 2022 | Flemington | Zaaki (GB) | 7YO Gelding | Jamie Kah | Annabel Neasham |
| 2023 | The Valley | Mr Brightside (NZ) | 5YO Gelding | Luke Currie | Ben & J D Hayes |
| 2024 | Caulfield | Pride of Jenni | 6YO Mare | Declan Bates | Ciaron Maher |
The All-Star Mile has rated 118.30 (2023/2024), 117.30 (2022/2023), and 117.50 (2021/2022) in its past three runnings.
