An excited and capacity crowd of 10,000 racegoers
enjoyed a fantastic day at Royal Randwick on Everest Day.
Nature Strip ridden by
James McDonald won the $15 million The TAB Everest, leading for most of the way and holding off a storming Masked Crusader who finished second. The seven-year-old champion sprinter had previously finished 4th (2019) and 7th (2020) but was too good in 2021.
It was champion jockey James McDonald’s first The TAB Everest as he delivered a brilliant ride which was made even better with the electric atmosphere of the crowd trackside.
As McDonald returned and rode along the fence, he showed pure emotion celebrating with cheering fans while Sweet Caroline played over the speakers on course as the crowd sung along. It was a win fitting of such a celebration.
Jockey interviews all highlighted the buzz they were getting plying their trade in front of an enthusiast audience rather than empty grandstands.
Australian Turf Club CEO Jamie Barkley said Sydney had celebrated the world’s richest race on turf in style.
“The atmosphere on course at Royal Randwick has been electric and Sydney is well and truly back celebrating in Spring,’’ Jamie Barkley said.
“Royal Randwick embraced the re-opening of Sydney and has led the way in the first major celebration.
“We are especially excited to be able to welcome crowds of at least 10,000 in coming weeks including at the XXXX Golden Eagle and Bentley Cup Day.’’
The $1.3 million
The Kosciuszko for country-trained horses was won by
Art Cadeau. It is the first time a horse has won both the Country Championship and The Kosciuszko in the same year.
In other news, Big Parade won the Group 3 Moët & Chandon Sydney while Think It Over claimed the Group 3 Yulong Craven Plate.
HIGH SUPREMACY
Dynamic Syndications had two runners on the day. Our first was
High Supremacy who put in a gallant effort in
The Star over 1600m but just couldn’t reel in the leader when we finished runner-up by 0.4 length after a terrific ride by Robbie Dolan.
HIGH SUPREMACY
I AM ME
Then we saddled up
I Am Me in the Reginald Allen over 1400m for the 3yo fillies. Things didn’t pan out for her in the run, missing the kick then over racing scouting 3 and 4 wide without cover throughout.
I AM ME
She was still strong through the line and finished just behind the placegetters in a very encouraging effort.
It was awesome to be back at the track.
Members Lawn at Royal Randwick
Our Owners were able to see their horses in a private Owners section of the Theatre of the Horse and then were able to advance to a dedicated section trackside, opposite the giant screen or if they chose, they could take advantage of an owner’s section in the main grandstand.
Owners Section - Theatre of the Horse Royal Randwick
It was good to
catch up with our trainers Richard Freedman and Ciaron Maher’s Sydney stable foreman Jack Bruce (albeit across a social distancing barrier) before both our races.
It’s a wonderful feeling to be social again. To be back trackside catching up with our owners and fellow industry participants.
However, sometimes you had to have a double take to determine exactly who some people were until they got a bit closer,
due to face masks and some very unruly long, untamed hairstyles from those of us yet to have meet a barber since lockdown lifted.
FIONA & DEAN WATT in our Dynamic Masks
However happy smiles are seen in the eyes and it was awesome to catch those smiles.
The ATC ran the whole day silky smooth, and patrons were so relaxed and happy to be trackside that nothing would have phased racegoers, considering the restrictions in place. Jamie Barley and his team at the ATC should be applauded for the way they hosted this event.
Whilst our sport kept going through the lockdowns,
there is no substitute. Being back trackside with the sun out, the flash of colour of a race and the sound of thundering hooves, drink in hand and the adrenaline rush associated with barracking for your favoured horses. Its no wonder why so many love our sport.
The Everest Carnival continues next Saturday at Royal Randwick for City Tattersalls Club Cup Day and the following week we head to
Rosehill for the much-awaited Golden Eagle raceday.
The team at Dynamic Syndications are really looking forward to catching up with our owner’s trackside over the coming weeks.