The revolving door of the 2018 $13m The Everest (1200m) continues to turn around with Osborne Bulls selected to replace his stablemate Home Of The Brave in Saturday’s glamour sprint at Randwick.
Osborme Bulls, above, has been included in the field for the 2018 The Everest at Randwick. Photo by Ultimate Racing Photos.
The James Cummings trained Home Of The Brave, who been selected by slot holder the ATC, was forced out of the top twelve after presenting with an elevated temperature yesterday afternoon and again this morning and was ruled out by Racing NSW Chief Veterinary Officer, Dr Toby Koenig.
The ATC will still have the Godolphin royal blue colours representing them in The Everest with the well performed Osborne Bulls being called up for the world’s richest race on turf.
Osborne Bulls had been favourite for the Group 3 $500,000 Camera House Sydney Stakes (1200m) on the same program and Godolphin Managing Director in Australia, Vin Cox, said that the Street Cry five year old won’t be out of place in The Everest.
“As the stewards have advised, Home Of The Brave has an elevated temperature. It isn’t a serious issue and we advised all relevant parties at the earliest opportunity,” Cox told Racing New South Wales News Desk.
“Osborne Bulls was the favourite for the Sydney Stakes, the race from which Everest replacements are selected, and it keeps our chances in this great race alive.
“James Cummings has been very pleased with the horse, he loves Royal Randwick and while we’re disappointed for Home Of The Brave, we’re delighted Osborne Bulls has been selected and the team is very confident he will run a big race.”
Osborne Bulls has worked his way up through the grades with eight wins from twelve starts and resumed for the 2018 Spring Carnival with a win in the Listed $120,000 Lister Regal Roller Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield on August 18 followed by a fifth to Jungle Cat in the Group 1 $500,000 Ladbrokes Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield on September 22.
Home Of The Brave joins English, Invincible Star and Nature Strip who were all selected to run in the The Everest but were withdrawn due to injury and poor form.
Racing New South Wales stewards have already conducted the barrier draw for The Everest but to avoid any breach of security, it won’t be realised until a special function on the shores of Sydney Harbour tonight with The Everest trophy, barrier numbers and jockey silk colours to be beamed on to the Opera House sails.
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 five 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.”
