THE Everest was Sydney’s biggest racing event this century both in attendance and betting turnover. Sydney’s three-decade, laser-like focus on the Golden Slipper is changing as The Everest, based on the Pegasus World Cup, burst into reality in October with stunning figures that doubled this year’s Golden Slipper in both attendance and wagering.

Described by New South Wales Racing chief executive Peter V’landys as “a juggernaut”, the Everest captured the interest of the casual Sydney racegoer via both traditional means and social media. The challenge will be to maintain the interest with Sydney crowds notorious for their fickle nature.