Redzel scales Everest

A canny $120,000 purchase at 2014 Gold Coast Magic Millions has delivered the biggest pay-day in Australian racing history for Chris and Michael Ward of Triple Crown Syndications.

Triple Crown sprinter Redzel raced home for a history-making win in the inaugural running of the $10 million The Everest (1200m) at Randwick on Saturday.

Perfectly ridden by Kerrin McEvoy, Redzel sat on the speed for much of the race before bursting clear a furlong from home.  It was a triumph for the Sydney based syndication company with the Ward brothers involved with 17 part owners.

“There’s people from all walks of life from all states of Australia,” Chris Ward said.  “We’ve got a concreter, doctor, taxi-driver, even a former NSW cricket coach.  And they are really enjoying this moment.”

By Arrowfield Stud’s champion sire Snitzel, Redzel is from G3 Sweet Embrace Stakes winner and G1 Golden Slipper placegetter Millrich (Rubiton).

Bred by Lee Fleming’s Eliza Park Stud, he was knocked down for $45,000 to Marquee Stud at the 2013 Inglis Weanling Sale and then pin-hooked for $120,000 as a yearling on the Gold Coast.

The Everest boosted his record to 10 wins from 20 starts for earnings over $7.19 million.

“There’s a number of things we look for in a horse and he had them,” Michael Ward recalled.  “Great conformation, we liked the way he moved and he had a great temperament.

“You saw that come into play today – the way he holds himself in the pre-parade ring.  He doesn’t waste any energy.  It was a dominant win.”

Redzel was prepared to perfection by trainers Peter and Paul Snowden.  “It’s a massive.  I haven’t even seen the old man yet,” Paul Snowden said.  “This is the third time we’ve kept Redzel fresh – it was a bit of a risk with a month between runs but he was spot on.”

REDZEL