James Kennedy, Australian businessman and Executive Chairman of Luxury Group, Kennedy, has secured the vacant GPI Racing slot for the 2021 running of The Everest.
Melbourne-based Kennedy has been a rapidly growing presence in the Australian racing industry for the past several years.
His leading luxury watches and jewellery business, Kennedy, has been official sponsor of the G1 VRC Kennedy Oaks during Melbourne Cup Week at Flemington since 2017, while in more recent years establishing his own private racing stable, Kennedy Racing, which has seen early success on the racetrack and remains a presence at Australian yearling sales.
The sale of the GPI Racing slot – for which the process was managed by Inglis - attracted global interest from the moment owner Greg Ingham announced he was offering it.
Kennedy has long admired the Everest – this year worth $15m - and its immediate international attraction and didn’t want to miss out on the rare opportunity of joining when it presented itself.
“Nobody can genuinely argue against the fact that The Everest is a major force in world racing, it has been from day one and I’m so excited to have the chance to now be involved in it,’’ Kennedy said.
“I’m passionate about the racing industry and all it does for the care and wellbeing of these amazing animals and for the critical role it plays in our economy. I have a strong presence in Victoria through my sponsorship of the Kennedy Oaks and the Victoria Racing Club and now I’ll have a more formal presence in NSW by taking up this Everest slot.
“I don’t have a specific horse in mind to fill the slot, I’ll just sit back and see what presents itself over the next few weeks and months. Ideally in time I would love to have one of my own horses represent the slot, that’s the dream, but for now it’s just such a thrill to be involved in the world’s richest race on turf.’’
Inglis Managing Director Mark Webster welcomed Kennedy into the Everest fray.
“James is an enthusiastic industry participant who has invested a lot of time and money into racing in recent years and to see him now involved in an Everest slot is testament to his belief in the concept and willingness to continue to invest,’’ Webster said.
“James continues to add to his growing band of racehorses and I wish him all the best in his quest for Everest glory. One thing is for sure – he will enjoy the ride, it’s fabulous fun.’’
Ingham, whose star sprinter Chautauqua participated in the inaugural running of The Everest, added: “The Everest is here to stay, the model works, it gets more and more popular each year and we are thrilled to be involved.
“Offering our slot for sale is purely a financial decision, Barb and I still remain heavily invested in the concept itself and we look forward to doing so for many years to come.’’
For media enquiries, please contact Inglis’ GM of Bloodstock Sales and Marketing Sebastian Hutch on 0423 770 854.
