Redzel steals the show as 40,000 punters pack Randwick for The Everest

Police may have been called to the steps of the Opera House forecourt to monitor the protest of The Everest's light show on Tuesday, but they were even busier keeping people away from the polarising race at Royal Randwick yesterday.

Reports at the track of the gates having to be slammed shut to repel an overflowing crowd were a slight stretch of the truth – officials later said they were never advised to shut the gates by police – but the numbers didn't lie.

The official crowd for the second running of the $13 million race, won for the second time by favourite Redzel, was posted as 40,578.

After a week of unyielding rain and even less forgiving publicity over the plot to flash the barrier draw on the sails of Australia's cultural institution, the horses took centre stage.

Jockey Kerrin McEvoy returns to scale after riding Redzel to victory in The Everest.

Jockey Kerrin McEvoy returns to scale after riding Redzel to victory in The Everest.Credit:AAP

As one racing official quipped during the week, "everyone knows it's on now". Did they what.

"This race is about attracting the new generation and walking around the track today I can see so many young people, which is going to keep our industry going," Racing NSW chief executive Peter V'landys said.

The Everest couldn't shake a handful anti-racing demonstrators at the gates of Royal Randwick mid-morning. One witty banner channelled racing's great enigma Chautauqua, the grey sprinter which was retired a couple of weeks ago with a spot in the $13 million sprint beckoning because he refused to come out of the barriers. The placard read: "Say neigh to racing like Chautauqua".

Chautauqua was being celebrated inside the fences though, given the honour of leading The Everest runners into the Theatre of the Horse.

The event has unashamedly been dubbed "disruptive" and one which plays on power, greed and ego. Somehow, it's working as the biggest crowd seen at Randwick this century battled the inclement conditions.

Redzel, trained by father-and-son team Peter and Paul Snowden and owned by a bunch of mum-and-dad owners from syndicators Triple Crown, led from start to finish. Just like last year.

Redzel surpassed three-time Melbourne Cup heroine Makybe Diva in stakes earnings as a result, pocketing the $6 million first prize purse from Australian racing's newest plaything.

"I can't believe that," Peter Snowden said when made aware of the fact. "I wouldn't rate him above any champion. He is a good horse in his own right. He did it tough today. He led all the way and did it from the front. Hats off to him. I'm so proud of him."

Royal Randwick enjoyed its biggest crowd this century with 40,578 ignoring the inclement weather.

Royal Randwick enjoyed its biggest crowd this century with 40,578 ignoring the inclement weather. Credit:AAP

Maybe not as proud as Bert Vieira, the owner of runner-up Trapeze Artist who was finally convinced to leave his wife Gai's hospital bedside after she suffered life-threatening injuries when hit by a police car during a pursuit last month. She is still in a coma.

Vieira had another horse which won earlier in the day.

"It feels fantastic," he said. "So good. To still be here and have a horse that came second in The Everest … not many horses can ever do that."

Before the race, he told Fairfax Media he just wants to hear his wife's voice again.

One person who couldn't stop celebrating was Chinese billionaire Zhang Yuesheng. He brokered a deal for Redzel to race under his banner this year. His supporters carried the Chinese flag into the presentation.

The Everest message might be about to spread a little further than the public concourse of Sydney's most famous racetrack.

"The crowd was mental," said jockey Tommy Berry, who rode Osborne Bulls into third. "I've only ever had that feeling on Melbourne Cup day."

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