The Everest and the Southern Highlands: The Hidden Connection Behind Australia’s Richest Horse Race
Every October, the Australian racing world turns its attention to The Everest, the world’s richest turf race. Run over 1200 metres at Royal Randwick in Sydney, the race attracts elite sprinters competing for millions of dollars in prize money and international recognition. While the race itself is held in Sydney, the Southern Highlands of New South Wales plays an important behind-the-scenes role in preparing many of the horses that compete at the highest level of Australian racing.
The connection between The Everest and the Southern Highlands highlights the region’s growing importance within Australia’s thoroughbred industry.
What Is The Everest?
First run in 2017, The Everest quickly transformed Australian racing. Featuring a unique slot-holder system and a prize purse of $20 million, the race attracts the country’s fastest sprinters and some of the biggest names in racing. Held annually at Royal Randwick Racecourse, The Everest has become the flagship event of Sydney’s Spring Racing Carnival.
The race is renowned for:
- Elite sprint competition
- World-class thoroughbreds
- Massive prize money
- International attention
- Innovative slot-holder format
The Southern Highlands’ Racing Heritage
Although The Everest is staged in Sydney, many horses competing at the highest level spend part of their careers in the Southern Highlands.
The region is famous for:
- Thoroughbred breeding farms
- Pre-training facilities
- Spelling farms
- Equine rehabilitation centres
- High-quality pasture and climate
These factors make the Southern Highlands an ideal location for developing racehorses before they compete at major metropolitan tracks.
Bong Bong Farm and Elite Racing Preparation
One of the region’s most significant equine facilities is Bong Bong Farm near Moss Vale. The property has become one of Australia’s leading training and pre-training centres, housing elite racehorses preparing for major races throughout the year.
The farm’s modern facilities include:
- Extensive stabling
- Training tracks
- Swimming facilities
- Rehabilitation programs
- Large spelling paddocks
Many horses targeting Sydney’s major carnivals benefit from training and conditioning programs conducted in the Southern Highlands before racing at Royal Randwick.
Why Trainers Value the Southern Highlands
Leading trainers appreciate the Southern Highlands because of its cooler climate, rolling countryside, and quieter environment compared with metropolitan training centres.
Benefits include:
- Reduced stress on horses
- Excellent recovery conditions
- Quality grazing land
- Access to veterinary services
- Convenient location between Sydney and Canberra
These advantages help horses remain healthy and perform at their best when competing in elite races such as The Everest.
From Southern Highlands Paddocks to Racing Glory
The journey to The Everest often begins long before race day. Young thoroughbreds are bred, raised, educated, and conditioned at properties across regional New South Wales, including many located in the Southern Highlands.
By the time these horses reach Royal Randwick, years of careful breeding, training, and management have already taken place.
The Southern Highlands serves as an important link in this process, providing the environment and facilities needed to develop future champions.
The Future of Racing in the Region
As investment in equine facilities continues to grow, the Southern Highlands is strengthening its reputation as one of Australia’s premier horse-racing regions.
The area’s combination of natural beauty, horse-friendly conditions, and world-class facilities ensures it will remain closely connected to major races such as The Everest for years to come.
Conclusion
While The Everest takes place at Royal Randwick in Sydney, the Southern Highlands plays a significant role in supporting Australia’s elite racing industry. Through its breeding farms, training centres, and equine expertise, the region helps prepare many of the horses that compete on racing’s biggest stages.
The connection between The Everest and the Southern Highlands demonstrates that great champions are not only made on race day—they are developed long before they reach the starting gates.
