"This is the best by far. Our first Golden Slipper was exceptional, I didn’t think I’d ever get that feeling again but today is well past it,” gushed Peter Snowden after Redzel took out the inaugural running of the $10 million TAB Everest.

That’s how much The Everest has captured the imagination of racing participants. A trainer of the ilk and with the CV of Peter Snowden rates the victory of Redzel his career highlight.

“What a great result. (The owners are) a terrific bunch of guys. 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.”

Peter’s son and co-trainer Paul, was caught up in the emotions of the win revealing the immediate feeling was relief as tears welled in his eyes.

“I can’t talk. It’s a massive thing for the stable. Just so, so relieved,” he said.

“I had to remind myself how old Redzel was this morning. He is only five and is at the peak of his career. He has got another couple of years in him at top level and it’s all before him.

“Probably 12 months ago was the turning point when we decided to train him differently and space his runs. He puts a lot into his work and a lot into his racing so something had to give. We have been bubbling with excitement all week. I’d be no good as a poker player because it was written on my face all week just how confident we were.”

Kerrin McEvoy sat on the shoulder of Houtzen throughout the run and travelled sweetly before letting down to hold off the late charge of Vega Magic with Brave Smash running third.

“What a race to win, it is so exciting,” McEvoy beamed, “It’s such a thrill to be part of it. Such a huge buzz. (The Everest) is already a huge success and I am thrilled to win the first one.”

“It couldn’t have worked out any better in the run, we had a dream run outside of the leader. I am over the moon.

“He is a little star. 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 Snowden’s had a plan to give him a month between runs and then they had him spot on. Full credit to them. The horse has performed unbelievably today.” 

Racing NSW

Jockeys Quotes 

Kerrin McEvoy (Redzel): “He is a little star. I’m so privileged to be riding these horses for Peter and Paul Snowden. They are master horsemen and job well done to them. They’ve been so patient with this fella early in his career. It is paying dividends now. The Snowden’s had a plan to give him a month between runs and then they had him spot on. Full credit to them. The horse has performed unbelievably today. It is a huge buzz. This horse had drawn a good gate. There were so many scenarios going through our heads in regards to how it was going to work out. It couldn’t have worked out any better in the run, we had a dream run outside of the leader. I am over the moon.”

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Redzel wins the inaugural running of the TAB Everest

Craig Williams (Vega Magic): “He was awesome in defeat. He’s defied the track pattern. Just rueing that we didn’t draw a barrier but awesome performance by the horse.”

Jamie Spencer (Brave Smash): “Huge run. Had a lovely run around, got the fence after 100 yards and it was very easy for me after that. The winner was very impressive.”

Brenton Avdulla (Chautauqua): “He’s run terrific. He’s basically found three tracks where it has been very difficult to get out and get wide but he ran terrific.”

Tim Clark (Tulip): “She ran out of her skin. I just rode her quietly from her gate and she ripped home well. Tried her heart out.”

Blake Shinn (English): “She hit the line well. It’s a shame that the track is playing the way it is but I thought she acquitted herself great.”

Jeff Lloyd (Houtzen): “Good effort. She received a bump out of the barrier which set her alight. She weakened the last 100m but I thought it was a good effort in the company.”

Hugh Bowman (Clearly Innocent): “He ran a credible race.”

Josh Parr (Deploy): “Never got into the contest. He was under pressure a long way from home and he was never comfortable today.”

Corey Brown (She Will Reign): “I was obviously a little disappointed. Had a beautiful run in transit, followed the winner, just didn’t give me the turn of foot she usually shows, just one paced. Maybe the Moir run took the edge right off her.”

Tye Angland (Fell Swoop): “Disappointing. I ended up three deep outside the leaders but that is his usual pattern, but of clear room momentum, but he was a beaten horse before the corner so it wouldn’ surprise me if they find something when he cools down.”