The betting for the 2018 $13m The Everest (1200m) at Randwick on Saturday has been suspended until after the barrier draw has been made public at tonight’s event on the shores of Sydney Harbour.

Trapeze Artist, above, is one of the top fancies for The Everest 2018 at Randwick. Photo by Steve Hart.

Racing New South Wales along with the New South Wales Government have arranged to have the barrier draw for The Everest to be illuminated on the sails of the Opera House which has come in for some heavy criticism from groups opposing the display.

To avoid any breach of security that could disrupt the event, Racing New South Wales stewards have already conducted the barrier draw behind closed door and will be released at tonight’s function.

Racing New South Wales Stewards have also ordered that all betting for The Everest to be suspended until the tonight’s Opera House display has been completed.

Racing New South released the following statement outlining their decision in relation to the barrier draw of the twelve slot runner plus the six emergencies for the 2018 The Everest.

“Racing NSW Stewards today have conducted the barrier draw for the 2018 The TAB Everest in preparation for this evening’s barrier draw event.

“Racing NSW has made the decision to conduct the draw prior to the event to circumvent any security risks that may exist.

“The results of the barrier draw have been held in confidence by Racing NSW Stewards to ensure they are not publicly known until this evening.

“To avoid any perceived integrity risk, Racing NSW has determined that all betting on the 2018 The TAB Everest be suspended commencing at 12pm today (9 October 2018), until the final barriers have been publicly displayed this evening.

“Racing NSW Stewards shall advise all wagering operators this evening when they may recommence betting on the event.”

Confirmed runners for the 2018 The Everest: Trapeze Artist (Aquis, slot holder), In Her Time (TAB),  Redzel (Yulong Investments), Brave Smash (Chris Waller Racing), Shoals (The Star), Viddora (Damion Flower), Santa Ana Lane (Inglis), U S Navy Flag (Coolmore), Vega Magic (James Harron), Le Romain (GPI Racing) and  Graff (Max Whitby), Home Of The Brave (ATC ) plus six emergencies: Clearly Innocent, Dothraki, Jungle Edge, Osborne Bulls, Pierata  and Spright.

Pre-post betting for the 2018 The Everest at Ladbrokes.com.au: $6.50 Santa Ana Lane, $7 Trapeze Artist, Vega Magic, $7.50 In Her Time, Redzel, $9 Shoals, $11 U S Navy Flag, $13 Viddora, Brave Smash, $14 Graff, $16 Home Of The Brave, $21 Le Romain.

Final twelve runners plus six emergencies for the 2018 The Everest