Kerrin McEvoy wins THIRD Everest in a row on Classique Legend scooping $15million prize
Classique Legend showed its class to snare the richest race in Australia, the $15million Everest at Royal Randwick on Saturday afternoon in front of 11,000 punters.
With gun jockey Kerrin McEvoy producing a ride for the ages, Classique Legend sprinted brilliantly to salute ahead of Bivouac and Gytrash over 1200m at Randwick.
McEvoy has now remarkably won the Everest three times, with his two previous wins on board Redzel.
Classique Legend is trained by 82-year-old Les Bridge, an industry veteran who won a Melbourne Cup in 1987 with Kensei.
Saturday's triumph saw Bridge earn a cool $6.2million for his troubles.
The Everest was first launched in 2017 at Sydney's Royal Randwick and has already established itself as one of horse racing's most prestigious events
It was the third Everest victory for world-class jockey Kerrin McEvoy (pictured above moments after the race with Classique Legend)
Gun jockey Kerrin McEvoy on board Classique Legend moments after winning the $15million Everest at Royal Randwick, in Sydney's east
McEvoy congratulates Classique Legend with a pat on the neck after winning the big race at Royal Randwick on Saturday
Cathy McEvoy, (pictured middle), the wife of the winning jockey Kerrin McEvoy, and her children cheer on their hero during The Everest at Royal Randwick
Ever since Classique Legend first walked into his stable, Bridge knew the gelding was a special horse.
But in the countdown to Saturday's win, he was certain the sprinter was the best he had put a bridle on and he wouldn't hear of defeat.
'I've been telling everyone for three months,' he said.
McEvoy revealed Classique Legend had a 'big job to do' in a race that was run at a breakneck speed.
Punters are seen celebrating at the $15million thoroughbred race at Royal Randwick on Saturday afternoon in front of 11,000 spectators
On the rise trainer Matthew Dale (pictured centre) and wife Amy Dale react during the running of race 5, The Kosciuszko
Keen racegoers (pictured above) watch on intently trackside during The Everest race day at Royal Randwick Racecourse
Kate Waterhouse was just one of the many celebrities at Everest Race Day at Royal Randwick Racecourse on Saturday
'I needed to come back behind Trekking to get a slot and then they went quicker. I just had to ride my race,' McEvoy said post-race.
'I looked up at the 600 and they were well in front, they were off. I thought, 'Far out, if Nature Strip and the companions are back to their best, they are going to take a bit of running down.'
'Full credit to my horse with that cover and soft time of it early, he was able to really power when I asked him. Soon after I was confident I would pick them up. It was a marvellous job. Thrilled to get the horse over the line.
'It is an unbelievable feeling to win another one.'
Pip Edwards and former Australian cricket captain Michael Clarke (pictured right) were in attendance at the Everest Race Day
Former elite ironwoman Candice Warner (pictured above) was a high profile face at the Everest Race Day at Royal Randwick
Seven presenter Samantha Armytage (pictured above) turned heads in a colourful gown at the Everest Race Day at Randwick
Connections react after gun jockey Jason Collett rides It's Me to victory in race 5, The Kosciuszko, on Saturday at Royal Randwick
THE 2020 EVEREST: WHERE THEY FINISHED
1. Classique Legend
2. Bivouac
3. Gytrash
4. Trekking
5. Haut Brion Her
6. Santa Ana Lane
7. Nature Strip
8. Libertini
9. Tofane
10. Behemoth
11. Eduardo
12. Dollar For Dollar
