Long-time associates going to another level in Everest

4 min read

Written by Paul Vettise

The Australian Turf Club and the global racing giant Godolphin have taken their lengthy association to a new level.

They have partnered to have the high-class sprinting import Home Of The Brave (IRE) (Starspangledbanner) represent them in Saturday week’s $13 million The Everest at Randwick.

“We are very grateful to Godolphin for their support of Sydney racing and now also the world’s richest race on turf,” ATC Director Phil Morley said.

“We are very grateful to Godolphin for their support of Sydney racing and now also the world’s richest race on turf.” - Phil Morley.

ATC and Godolphin have a long history together, including naming rights and sponsorship of influential races such as the G1 Darley TJ Smith Stakes at The Championships and the Darley Princess Series in the spring.

“Our partnership with Godolphin will provide the ATC with further opportunities to promote the Club and Sydney racing to a global audience,” Mr Morley said.

“The ATC is committed to building the international profile of our Carnivals and our racing and to encourage international owners to participate in Sydney racing.

Live winning chance

“We believe Home Of The Brave is a winning chance and his trainer James Cummings has made a significant impact since joining Godolphin, including winning Saturday’s G1 TAB Epsom with Hartnell.

“We strongly believe this partnership will further elevate this world-class event across all platforms and bring new audiences to our racing and The TAB Everest.”

Home Of The Brave was a dual Group 3 European winner for Newmarket trainer Hugo Palmer before arriving in James Cummings’ stable.

Theo Marks success

The 7-year-old was runner-up in the G3 Aurie’s Star in his Australian debut before he won the G2 Theo Marks S., and then finished fourth in the G1 Sir Rupert Clarke S.

“It’s really exciting news to be saddling up Home Of The Brave on behalf of the slot-holder the ATC,” Cummings said. “He’s got really good form and defeated Trapeze Artist in the Theo Marks.

“It’s terribly exciting to have a horse in such a big race, a race that’s going to capture attention internationally.

“It’s terribly exciting to have a horse in such a big race, a race that’s going to capture attention internationally.”- James Cummings.

“He has a profile with his record and he has the form so far this campaign to be really competitive for the stable.

“There is a threat of some rain, so along with coming back to 1200 metres with some cut in the ground he would have conditions to suit.

“It would be a feather in the cap of the team for a horse like him to perform well in a race like this.”

Top Sydney jockey Tommy Berry has been confirmed to partner Home Of The Brave in The Everest.

“The whole team at Godolphin are delighted Home Of The Brave has been chosen to represent the ATC,” Godolphin’s Managing Director in Australia Vin Cox said.

“It is a fitting acknowledgement of Godolphin’s commitment to Sydney and Australian racing.” – Vin Cox.

“It is a fitting acknowledgement of Godolphin’s commitment to Sydney and Australian racing.

“We have no doubt the annual running of The Everest will become one of the most anticipated events on the Australian racing calendar.

“The whole team are excited to see the royal blue colours competing in this year’s race.”

Moir winner in

Home Of The Brave is the latest confirmed runner in the Everest following Viddora (I Am Invincible), who was claimed on Tuesday by a group headed by Damion Flower and Neil Werrett.

The Lloyd Kennewell-trained mare Viddora put herself in the frame after a last-start win in the G1 Moir Stakes at Moonee Valley.

The 5-year-old has quickly come back to top form and double her tally at the highest level following her success last season in the G1 Winterbottom S.

Viddora has been chosen to fill Jadeskye's slot in The Everest