The Star Secures Shoals for Everest Slot

Media Release - Thursday June 14

The Star Entertainment Group is delighted to announce the best three-year-old filly in Australia will be the company's entry for the world's richest turf race – The Everest – at Royal Randwick on October 13.

ShoalsShoals, with Group 1 victories in three states and prizemoney earnings of more than $2 million, will contest the 1200m weight-for-age sprint that is now the jewel of Sydney Spring Racing.

Launched last year as a ground-breaking $10 million race, The Everest in 2018 will have an even more staggering prizemoney pool of $13 million, well above the $7.3 million on offer for the Melbourne Cup.

Shoals will be The Star's runner in The Everest's elite 12-horse field following discussions between the ASX Top 100 listed company and Arrowfield Stud chairman John Messara.

"Like The Everest, The Star offers a premium entertainment experience for visitors to Sydney, and with three Group 1 victories on her record, Shoals has the kind of star power that can light up Royal Randwick," said Messara.

Trained by Anthony Freedman for owner-breeders Messara and Jonathan Munz, Shoals has had a stellar three-year-old season, winning the Myer Classic in Melbourne, the Surround Stakes in Sydney and completing a Group One hat-trick with the Robert Sangster Stakes in Adelaide.

Unbeaten in three starts as a two-year-old, Shoals has now become one of only five horses to win three or more Australian Group One races in the current 2017-18 season.

Winx has won six. Shoals, Happy Clapper, Santa Ana Lane and Trapeze Artist have secured three apiece.

"Jonathan and I are delighted to conclude an arrangement with The Star for Shoals to run in The Everest," Messara said.

Advertisement

"We think she is a great chance to win the race and we're all looking forward to her return in the Spring."

The Star was an original slot owner for The Everest and continues to support the unique concept behind the race, won in its inaugural year by Redzel, a son of the Arrowfield-based Champion Sire Snitzel.

"We're excited to be fielding a runner this year in partnership with Arrowfield's John Messara," said Michael Hodgson, GM Business Development and Partnerships at The Star Entertainment Group.

"He's one of the most knowledgeable and esteemed racing men in the world, and in Shoals we believe we have an outstanding filly capable of claiming the event."

Hodgson said The Star Entertainment Group was committed to delivering thrilling experiences to its domestic and international guests.

"The Everest is certainly aligned to that promise," he added.

"It also provides an opportunity to bring VIP guests from around the world to Australia to participate in an event unlike any other.

"There is no doubt The Everest, after successfully launching last year, is the new summit of thoroughbred racing and the star attraction for the Sydney Spring Racing Carnival.

"We were excited to be involved in year one and delighted to be back for the second iteration."

Arrowfield Release
Advertisment
More Reading...
Tara Talks Racing - Trials and Racing
This week we’re talking trials after an insightful set of official 2YO trials in Sydney, plus some racing and how Fangirl will eventually go to stud with two Group I wins less on her resume than there should be.
First trial success for Sword Of State
Cambridge Stud stallion Sword Of State was represented by an impressive trial winner when State Of Valour coasted to victory in his two-year-old heat over 730m at Te Rapa on Tuesday.
Pedigree Potential –NZB Ready to Run – Nicks that Click
A quality packed catalogue for the 2025 NZB Ready to Run Sale is now online and in the lead up to the sale we’ll go looking each week for some horses of interest that jump out on pedigree for various reasons.
Sires With Winners - Tuesday September 23
Here is the full list of 28 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
Sires With Winners - Monday September 22
Here is the full list of 28 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
Seeking Slipper Success? Seek Sejardan
The Gr.1 Golden Slipper Stakes - the world's richest juvenile event and Australia's premier test of juvenile speed.
Well Bred Wootton Bassett Ready to Win
Regally bred colt Lydiard Park will have conditions more in his favour on Wednesday to add performance to his pedigree.
Wootton Bassett Sad Passing
Wootton Bassett, one of the world’s great sires, has sadly passed away today at Coolmore Australia.
Third Trial Winner for Home Affairs – This Time New Zealand
Hot on the heels of siring two trial winners at Randwick on Monday at the official Sydney 2YO trials, Home Affairs produced an impressive trial winner at Te Rapa in New Zealand on Tuesday.
2025 G1 Golden Rose Field and Barrier Draw
Godolphin filly Tempted will take on eight colts in a nine horse Group One Golden Rose at Rosehill on Saturday where she retains favouritism after drawing barrier eight.