Emerging sprinter Classique Legend has been confirmed for this year’s The Everest after his owner and Carmel Size Racing purchased the slot which had been held by GPI Racing.
Inglis managed the sale of Greg Ingham‘s GPI Racing slot and confirmed the news in a release on Wednesday.
“The decision to aim Classique Legend at the Everest later this year should be seen as a vote of confidence in the Australian racing industry, with special acknowledgement to Racing NSW who have developed the initiative,” Size said.
Size is the racing and bloodstock manager for Hong Kong-based owner Bon Ho.
“Mr Bon Ho is a devotee of racing and as much as he would love to see his horse winning in Hong Kong, he is relishing the challenge of tackling the best in The Everest,” she said.
Classique Legend, trained at Randwick by Les Bridge, has won three of his four starts including the Group Two Arrowfield Sprint for three-year-olds during the Sydney autumn carnival.
“Les Bridge is particularly excited at the news and while we acknowledge Classique Legend will need to go to the next level, we have every faith in his ability which Les believes is still untapped,” Size said.
This year’s $14 million Everest (1200m) on October 19 at Randwick will be the third running of the rich sprint.
Classique Legend joins Pierata as the two horses who have been confirmed for slots in the race.