How does winning The Everest compare to the Melbourne Cup? "Different but just as good" was what Kerrin McEvoy said after he guided Redzel to victory in the inaugural running of the $10 million sprint at Randwick on Saturday.
"What a race to win, it is so exciting," McEvoy said. "It's such a thrill to be part of it. Such a huge buzz."
In front of a crowd of more than 33,000, the biggest seen at a Sydney race track form many years, McEvoy and the training team of Peter and Paul Snowden conquered Australian racing's richest prize.
"I can't talk," Peter Snowden said. "I've never experienced anything like this.
"Our first Golden Slipper was exceptional, I didn't think I'd ever get that feeling again but today is well past it."
Redzel is raced by thoroughbred syndicators Triple Crown Syndications and received his place in the race when a deal was struck with slot owner James Harron, who himself combined with the Snowdens to win the Golden Slipper last year with Capitalist.
"Well done to James (Harron) for putting faith in the team," McEvoy said. "Well done too, to Chris and Michael Ward from Triple Crown.
"They are great guys to ride for, they let the Snowdens do their job."
Redzel's natural speed allowed the gelding to be prominent throughout the race, travelling outside the leader Houtzen before the son of Snitzel cruised up the Randwick rise inside the 400m before shooting clear with a lead that couldn't be overhauled.
Redzel ($8.50) defeated the Hayes/Dabernig runner Vega Magic ($4.80 fav) by three-quarters of a length with a short neck back to the Darren Weir-trained Brave Smash ($19) in third.
"He is a little star," McEvoy said. "They've been so patient with this fella early in his career and it's paying dividends now.
"I'm so privileged to be riding these horses for Peter and Paul Snowden. They are master horsemen and job well done to them."
The critics had billed the race as one for those at the top end of town but a Redzel, an orphaned foal that cost $120,000 as a yearling is raced by a large group of everyday Australians including teachers, taxi drivers, a police offer and an electrician.
"The owners are a terrific bunch of guys," Peter Snowden said.
"There's a lot of stories behind all the owners, there's a couple of sad ones as well, but if they're feeling anything like me they'll better 10 times over."
