Everest to set ‘new modern-day record’ after extraordinary sell-out
The Everest is going to be jam-packed with fans on Saturday after general admission tickets were sold out four days before the $20 million dollar race.
The Australian Turf Club and Racing NSW made the decision to shut down the ticket sales “in the interests of safety and comfort for patrons”.
Sign up to The Nightly's newsletters.
Get the first look at the digital newspaper, curated daily stories and breaking headlines delivered to your inbox.
By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.The Australian Turf Club said “all hospitality spaces and functions across Royal Randwick” were also sold out.
The crowd at Royal Randwick is now tipped to hit 50,000, eclipsing last year’s mark of 46,498.
The Everest is the world’s richest turf race and this year received Group 1 status for the first time.
“The TAB Everest has become the hottest ticket in town and is attracting new fans in record numbers,” Australian Turf Club CEO Matt Galanos said.
“We are delighted to see that more than 30 per cent of ticket sales are aged under 25 and 53 per cent are female, which shows how widespread interest in TAB Everest Day is.
“Saturday will set a new modern-day record number of patrons at Royal Randwick, eclipsing even the unprecedented final run of the immortal Winx.
“We urge all customers to arrive as early as possible and take advantage of public transport which is all included in General Admission tickets and for ATC Members.
“ATC is now focussed on working with Racing NSW on creating new spaces and precincts at Royal Randwick to allow even more people to enjoy live and trackside the richest race on turf in the world.’’
I Wish I Win is the race favourite but drew barrier 9 on Tuesday night.
Joliestar moved in on the betting and is now at $6 after landing gate 4.
Last year’s winner Giga Kick drew barrier 3 as he aims to become the first horse since Redzel (2017-18) to win the race a second time.
Redzel is the only horse in the race’s short history at to achieve that feat.
Fans at Randwick will also be able to watch the second running of the $5 million King Charles III Stakes and the $2 million The Kosciuszko, while in Melbourne it is Caulfield Cup Day.
Originally published on 7NEWS Sport
