REDZEL has defended his inaugural Everest crown winning Saturday’s $13 million international feature, leading from start to finish in front of a huge crowd at Royal Randwick.

Ridden again by Kerrin McEvoy, the Peter and Paul Snowden took full advantage of his inside draw to quickly set the tempo of the race, kicking clear over the rise to establish a commanding lead on his rivals.

Redzel pocketed $6m for Saturday’s win taking his carer earnings to close on $15m.

“It was a masterful ride and Kerrin judged it perfectly,’’ co-trainer Peter Snowden said. “He did it tough today. He lead from the front and I am just so proud of the horse.’’

Redzel was never seriously challenged at any stage of the race, safely holding off a brave Trapeze Artist who had beaten him in the T. J. Smith by 2-lengths when they met in the autumn over the Everest journey of 1200m.

Godolphin outsider and Everest emergency Osborne Bulls ran the race of his life finishing almost on the outside rail to just grab third placing.

Le Romain was a close fourth.

Favourite Shoals was unplaced as was high class UK raider US Navy Flag who never seemed comfortable on the heavy track.

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