The Everest

Race Card

The Everest 2026 takes place on October 17 at Royal Randwick Racecourse in Sydney, with post time at 4:15 PM AEDT. The AUD $20,000,000 sprint over 1200 meters on turf is the richest turf race in the world, filling 12 slots at a 40,000-capacity venue in Sydney's eastern suburbs. Launched in 2017, it uses a unique slot-holder entry model and has rapidly become one of the most anticipated sprint races on the global calendar.

The Everest operates on a unique slot-holder model that was revolutionary when introduced. Rather than traditional entry fees, 12 slots are sold to racing entities for multi-year deals worth millions of dollars each. The slot holders then select the horse they want to fill their spot, creating a fascinating game within a game as owners, syndicates, and studs compete to secure the best sprinters in training. This model has generated enormous prize money and media attention, turning what could have been just another race into a cultural event that lights up the Sydney Harbour Bridge with the race's barrier draw.

The race's short history is packed with stars. Winx, the greatest racehorse Australia has produced in the modern era, never ran in The Everest (she was a middle-distance horse), but the race's existence alongside her reign made 2017 to 2020 a golden era for Australian racing. Redzel won the first two editions in 2017 and 2018, establishing himself as the race's first hero. Nature Strip's electric 2021 victory showcased the pure speed the race demands.

The Everest goes to post at 4:15 PM AEDT on Saturday, October 17. The race covers 1200 meters (approximately 6 furlongs) on Royal Randwick's turf course, a sharp left-handed track that demands speed from the gate, tactical awareness around the tight turn, and the acceleration to finish strongly up the Randwick straight. The slot-holder selections, announced in the weeks before the race, generate enormous anticipation and betting activity across Australia.

For fans in London, the 4:15 PM AEDT post time translates to 6:15 AM BST, an early morning start that British racing fans increasingly make the effort for. US East Coast viewers face a 1:15 AM EDT start, a late night commitment. European viewers on the continent get a 7:15 AM CET start. Australian fans in Sydney are at the venue itself: 4:15 PM AEDT. Japanese viewers in Tokyo get the race at 2:15 PM JST, a very comfortable Saturday afternoon slot. For viewers in Dubai, the race falls at 9:15 AM GST, a pleasant morning watch.

Royal Randwick on Everest Day is Sydney at its sporting best. The 40,000-capacity course fills with a crowd that mixes hardcore racing fans with a fashion-forward social scene. The buildup includes the famous barrier draw projected onto the Sydney Harbour Bridge, a visual spectacle that announces The Everest to the entire city. The atmosphere at the track is electric, with the sprint distance meaning the race itself is over in barely more than a minute, a concentrated burst of drama that justifies months of anticipation. The spring sunshine, the harbour views from nearby vantage points, and the energy of a Sydney Saturday combine to create one of the best days out in Australian sport.

Australian sprinters dominate The Everest, and the slot-holder system means the field is stacked with the best of the best. Watch for the dominant sprinters from the autumn and winter seasons in Australia, particularly those who performed well in The TJ Smith Stakes at Randwick in April. International entries are rare but not impossible, with Hong Kong and Japanese sprinters occasionally considered for slots. The inside barrier draws are a significant advantage at Randwick's tight track, and the barrier draw itself becomes a major betting event.

For the current time in Sydney, check Sydney time. For more on Australian time, see Australia time.

Venue

Royal Randwick Racecourse in Sydney, Australia

Check the time in Sydney

FAQ

When is the The Everest?

The The Everest takes place on 2026-10-17 with the first race at 16:15 Australia/Sydney.

What time does the The Everest start?

The first race at the The Everest is scheduled for 16:15 Australia/Sydney on 2026-10-17. All post times on this page are converted to your local timezone.

Where is the The Everest held?

The The Everest is held at Royal Randwick Racecourse in Sydney, Australia.

How many races are at the The Everest?

The The Everest features 1 race across the day.

How can I watch the The Everest?

Coverage depends on your country. Check your local racing broadcaster for live coverage. All post times on this page are shown in your local timezone.