Bella Nipotina ($8.00) has claimed the $20 million Everest (1200m) at Randwick on Saturday afternoon, giving trainer Ciaron Maher his first winner in the richest race on turf.
Craig Williams was legged aboard to claim his second win in Australia’s greatest sprinting feature, fending off the fast-finishing Giga Kick ($12.00), the same horse he steered to victory in the 2022 edition.
It didn’t come easy for the mare by Pride Of Dubai, sitting on the three-wide line throughout the 1200m journey, with Williams showing plenty of intent from barrier 12.
There was plenty of drama pre-race as Traffic Warden was a late withdrawal after rearing in the gates, leaving Storm Boy ($11.00) and Growing Empire ($8.50) stride out at a genuine clip throughout.
I Am Me ($11.00) was well-backed prior to the jump and got a rails run under Nash Rawiller, while Giga Kick, Joliestar ($5.00) and Stefi Magnetica ($12.00) all lobbed into mid-field positions with cover.
Storm Boy gave a strong kick in the 400m but was quickly headed by Growing Empire, however, Bella Nipotina and Giga Kick both loomed to produce a ding-dong battle in the final furlong, with the ever-consistent seven-year-old getting the head down where it matters most.
2024 Group 1 Everest Replay – Bella Nipotina
Bella Nipotina continues to stake her claim as the best sprinter in Australia, and Ciaron Maher couldn’t have been happier in his post-race assessment.
“You know, we thought she was in career best form and she got her conditions to suit,” said Maher.
“We said at the barrier draw, she s got an uncanny knack of running very well from any gate.
“Wide, inside, doesn’t matter. And yes, Craig (Williams), beautiful ride. You know, to have the balls to do that.
“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.”
Craig Williams praised the performance of Bella Nipotina before crediting Maher on an outstanding training performance.
“I couldn’t do it without the performance of Bella,” said Williams.
“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.
“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.
“She was right in the zone. So credit to Ciaron Maher, his whole training group around him. He’s a phenomenal trainer with so many different arms that help this process go along.
“Paul and Ange Fudge, they’re using their property at Bong Bong. You can see the benefits of that. And a six-year-old mare, she’s never been in career best form, which is amazing. She is now.”
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