Everest piques punters’ interest in Saturday’s Twitter wrap
THE Everest has come and gone and it did not disappoint.
Racing NSW were banking on the race being the headline event of Sydney’s spring and the race lived up to expectations, drawing a massive crowd and praise from all corners of the racing community.
We took an in-depth look at the race as well as assessing the performance of the winning jockey, who went on to taste success in another feature a mere 24 hours later.
The Everest excites in inaugural running
It was billed as the biggest event in racing for 2017, and the first-ever running of The Everest did not disappoint.
What a day! #TheEverest a raging success. Atmosphere on track incredible. pic.twitter.com/8GfwGpTWBC
— Matt Jenkins (@mattjenkinstab) October 14, 2017
In excess of 30,000 punters turned up on track to witness the $10 million feature, which was initially accused early doors of being a plastic event, but even the experts were won over by the race.
Never felt that buzz on a Sydney race track like today. Well done to @racing_nsw and @atc_races an outstanding job done by all #theeverest
— brad davidson (@braddavo) October 14, 2017
Others praised the timing of the race, given the major footy codes had ended and cricket is still some ways away.
Staggering media coverage of #theeverest reaches new level this morning in Sydney papers. Timing great here. No other major sport on. pic.twitter.com/T1DjdjXSZm
— Adam Hamilton (@AdamTABSports) October 11, 2017
While the race followed the slot model employed by the Pegasus World Cup, many felt the race alienated the battlers from enjoying the race.
Despite the general consensus, one Twitter user felt the race was more of a throwback to the golden years.
In reality #TheEverest turned racing right back to the beginning when the Sweepstake was the only kind of prizemoney.
— Dave (@wrouty) October 16, 2017
The race has to be good to deliver a yearly product that keeps the punters coming back, but thankfully the race was as spectacular as the build up.
The moment history is made. 5 straight wins for REDZEL now and he's only just turned 5…more great heights for him to conquer ! #TheEverest pic.twitter.com/yX8n7G33Mq
— TURFSTARS Media (@LisaGrimm9) October 15, 2017
Here’s hoping it stays as desirable to the public in the future.
Kerrin McEvoy delivers in the features
Is there a man in the thoroughbred racing world that lifts a gear quite like Kerrin McEvoy?
McEvoy might have put in some quality performances across the two days in Sydney and Melbourne, but it was the rides in The Everest and Cranbourne Cup that got Twitter chat roaring.
Redzel and Kerrin McEvoy taking out the first running of the TAB Everest yesterday at Royal Randwick
Copyright Michael McInally Photography pic.twitter.com/UmvsYN4YEt— Michael McInally (@MMcInallyPhotos) October 15, 2017
First race that caught the eye was the first running of The Everest in Sydney.
McEvoy powered Redzel to the front early in the race and was never headed, delivering a brilliant return to the HorseBetting.com.au readers who took our advice.
One self-confessed couch potato had an interesting proposal for McEvoy following Redzel’s win.
Follow up couch musing – Kerrin McEvoy should be knighted. Or at the very least be given the Vega Magic gig…
— Adam Blencowe (@NoverreMan) October 15, 2017
While a Sky Racing expert now believes racing enthusiasts now have a get out of jail free card in the genius hoop.
@KPMcEvoy is the new punters pal , everyone that got into trouble yesterday are back in business.
— Ron Dufficy (@DufficyRon) October 15, 2017
After the standout performance in The Everest, all eyes turned to Cranbourne where McEvoy took the ride on British raider Folkswood.
Camping in midfield early in the race, the horse powered home in the final 200m to win stylishly in the listed race, and we are hoping this punter did not take his own advice.
Folkswood one for "the Fold"
If he doesn't get in the top 4 from the gates, pack it in.— Rory Flanagan (@Rory_Flanagan) October 15, 2017
While another punter saw the writing on the wall early on in the piece.
Folkswood gone up $8 to win Cranbourne cup on Sunday. Am i missing something ? I know bad gate but will literally pick this lot up.
— Joel (@joeldavies12) October 12, 2017
Again though, the common denominator was McEvoy.
Many credited the champ for Folkswood’s brilliant win in Cup.
Superb ride by Kerrin McEvoy from wide alley on Folkswood. Pure artistry. #horseracing
— Stephen Rodgers (@Steve_Rodgers) October 15, 2017
But who better to garner praise from than McEvoy’s contemporaries?
Another champion jockey delivered the highest adulation he could give to fellow pilot.
Ride of the year goes to @KPMcEvoy there in the cup #neverstopsnicking
— Tommy Berry (@TommyBerry21) October 15, 2017
It doesn’t get any better than that, and we dare say many punters will be looking at who McEvoy is on board well before even reading the form for the remainder of the carnival.