Everest slot holder Max Whitby hopes to finalize his runner for the A$13m race within the next few weeks. Whitby, who shares a slot with Neil Werrett (owner of the famous Black Caviar) had locked in Menari for The Everest before it was revealed the sprinter suffered from a career-ending leg injury.
“Now that Godolphin has taken Kementari off the table for The Everest, with five weeks to go, I hope to sit this weekend and consider what the competition is likely to be.”
In a separate interview, Kementari’s trainer James Cummings has said, “This is the most valuable asset on four legs in our business at the moment so we have to make sure we are not only doing the right things by him but also taking the company line also.”
“There are five to six suitable horses left,” continued Whitby.
“Although we can hold off the decision until the Premier Stakes, I don’t want to take that long.”
Charming Whitby made his money speculating in futures and stock markets and ploughed his profits back into his passion for thoroughbreds.
The founding director of ATC was quite convinced by the new initiative (The Everest), when it was first floated by the then new CEO of RacingNSW. He eventually bought a slot in partnership with Werrett.
“It was a great initiative for Australia racing particularly for NSW and its ramifications for success were very high.”
“Australians love racing. They understand racing. Aussies love a laugh. The flamboyance of racing appeals to Australians.”
“The whole country is involved in racing, unlike in say the US, where racing is elitist and individualistic. In Australia it’s a way of life. The louder the better“
“It’s an explosive concept,” says Whitby of The Everest.
“With the prize money break-up being re-shuffled this year, it gives everybody a chance.”
“But the money is secondary; it’s more about the challenge than the business deal.”
The proud owner and breeder, hopes to race his own horse in The Everest race, in the near future.
“That’s the ultimate goal,” says Whitby.
“You have to train stayers but you breed sprinters,” He continued
“You can cross-breed for a sound foal, break him in properly and find out how he does. There are quite a few prospects for 1200m- 1400m races to him to properly practice.”
He is also ambitious about the star power of The Everest.
“In a few years, I expect top sprinters from around the world to come to Australia to test themselves against Australian sprinters, who are already recognized as the best in the world.”
“With such great prize money, the travel time and all other associated costs, I expect these international horses to keep racing in Australia once they are here.”
He concedes in very gentlemanly fashion that he enjoys the rivalry with fellow racing state, Victoria. He also speaks with pride of the phenomenal success enjoyed by the new race.
“It’s taken the Melbourne Cup 150 years to settle down and be recognized as a top race. It’s taken The Everest two years.”
“Victoria always has the mantle of the best distance races with Melbourne Cup, and now NSW has the mantle of speed.”
In a more serious tone, he continues, “There is some level of rivalry and intrigue between the owners, trainers and jockeys in every race, even within the state. But I’ve never seen such cooperation.”
“It’s very refreshing to see this great attitude.”
There is a great spirit of camaraderie amongst all of us.” concludes the slot holder with disarming pride.“
Published In EverestDiaries Issue 6, Vol 2
click To view the complete The Everest library - http://secretariatsworld.com/magazines/The_ED_5_Final_29_08.pdf
Credit: Pallavi Shevade pallavi.shevade@secretariatsworld.com