Ciaron Maher‘s belle of the turf, Bella Nipotina, etched her name in racing history when becoming the first mare to win The Everest off a brilliant performance in the 2024 edition of the $20 million sprint feature in Sydney. The seven-year-old daughter of Pride Of Dubai showcased her resilience and determination, overcoming a challenging draw and tough competition to clinch the prestigious title in a racing first at Royal Randwick.

2024 The Everest winning mare Bella Nipotina handed jockey Craig Williams his second success. Photo: Steve Hart.

The eighth edition of the world’s richest turf race was a nail-biter, with Bella Nipotina ($9) facing a determined challenge from the Clayton Douglas-trained Giga Kick, the 2022 champion chasing a second time at the top of The Everest results.

Ridden by Craig Williams, who rode Giga Kick to victory two years ago, Bella Nipotina displayed her trademark fighting spirit when refusing to give in and ultimately edging out Giga Kick by a narrow margin right on the line.

“I couldn’t do it without the performance of Bella. We drew 12, we were hoping for more rain, but the track was to her liking light to her liking and basically the plan was, Ciaron said, let’s just trust her,” Williams told the media post-victory.

“We might be a bit wide, but let’s not be negative, let’s be positive and let’s go forward.

“I’m very lucky I really know her. And going to the gates today, I said to Ciaron, she was just moving so well for her. Before I even gave her a pat and a cuddle, then she really takes off.”

The previous best finish by a mare in The Everest was a fourth by In Secret last year.

Williams, already a legend in The Everest, added another chapter to his illustrious career surprising many when taking his mount to the front from the outside alley.

She did all the work racing three-wide without cover once Storm Boy moved up the inside to hit the front, but never gave in and showed why she is Australia’s iron lady of racing.

Wide, inside, doesn’t matter. And yes, Craig, beautiful ride. You know, to have the balls to do that,” winning trainer Maher said.

“I can’t thank my team enough. She trains up on the beach and she’s been at Bong Bong the last two weeks and just the whole team, it’s unbelievable!”

Kerrin McEvoy is the only other rider to have won the race multiple times with three wins.

Maher, who was represented in a The Everest field as a trainer for the first time, enjoyed a dream day at Randwick with Bella Nipotina’s victory capping off a successful The Everest campaign. He also saddled up smart three-year-old Growing Empire, who finished third in the race, showcasing the strength of his stable.

Bella Nipotina’s journey to The Everest victory was filled with obstacles. She overcame a luckless third-place finish in the Premiere Stakes and faced the challenge of a wide draw. However, her determination and class shone through at her 55th career start.

“She’s a bit like me. She doesn’t like to miss out on a carnival. So, no, no, she’s a beautiful horse to train,” Maher said of his mighty mare.

“And Michael Christensen and Tim Porter and his brothers and family, you know, what a thrill for them.

“She’s been elite for like five years. It’ s unbelievable.”

2024 The Everest Results

Table Credit: Racing Australia.

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