Huge expectation and excitement continues to build ahead of The TAB Everest at Royal Randwick on 16 October and no more so for the Australian Turf Club and Members than around defending champion Classique Legend.
The Club was thrilled to sign a three year deal with Classique Legend’s owner Bon Ho last year and our partnership began on the very best note with the grey flash’s win in the world’s richest race on turf.
It was with great interest and then joy when we watched Classique Legend trial last week and surge through the final 200m – showing he is right on track for this year’s race, now most likely first up from his Hong Kong return.
Classique Legend could be in no better hands than Royal Randwick’s longest serving trainer in Les Bridge, a horse maestro and a man who holds a unique place in racing history as the only winning trainer of a Golden Slipper, Doncaster Handicap, Melbourne Cup and The TAB Everest, amongst a stellar career of feature race wins.
For those who will be on course on 16 October I’m sure you will join with the entire Club and Members watching from home in cheering Classique Legend to victory.
Your Club has added incentive for seeing Classique Legend finish in the major prizemoney.
I am delighted to let Members know Mr Ho has again very kindly agreed to donate five per cent of any prizemoney earned to the ATC Foundation.
This comes off the back of last year’s similar agreement which saw $300,000 go to the ATC Foundation, and which was quickly distributed to a range of racing and community charitable causes.
The TAB Everest in just its fifth year is already one of the most talked about and viewed races anywhere in the world, and something which further elevates the ATC and our racing as one of the world’s great Clubs.
We look forward to the race and the remainder of the Everest Carnival at Royal Randwick and Rosehill Gardens as we further grow this carnival during Sydney’s wonderful time to shine during Spring.