This year’s Everest champion will have another million reasons to back up a fortnight later in the revamped Redzel Stakes.
Racing NSW on Friday announced a bounty of up to $1.3 million in bonuses for Rosehill’s Redzel Stakes, formerly the Winners Stakes, on November 2.
The bonuses are designed to attract a bumper field for the 1300m-support race on Golden Eagle Day, with the runners in the $14 million Everest and $500,000 Sydney Stakes on October 19 eligible to collect.
The Everest champion, who banks $6.05 million this year, stands to be the biggest beneficiary of the boosted prize pool.
Their carrot to execute an Everest-Redzel Stakes double is a $1 million bonus, taking the winner’s cheque from $580,000 to $1.58 million.
Even unplaced Everest and Sydney Stakes starters would share in the extra spoils, with $750,000 (first), $200,000 (second) and $100,000 (third) up for grabs via a top-three finish.
“The Redzel Stakes has been another important step in building the Everest Carnival and the bonus is another reason for sprinters to race in Sydney during spring,” Racing NSW Chairman Russell Balding said.
“This bonus is a great incentive for Everest horses and also increases the sprinting riches open to horses racing through the Sydney Stakes on Everest Day.”
With the addition of the $7.5 million Golden Eagle and four $1 million races this year, The Everest Carnival now offers more than $45 million prize money.