The Everest 2026 Tips and Race Guide

The Everest 2026 Tips and Race Guide

The 2026 TAB Everest is run on Saturday 17 October 2026 at Royal Randwick, Sydney. It is a 1200 metre sprint for 12 runners worth $20 million, the richest race on turf in the world, and it is run on the same afternoon as the Caulfield Cup in Melbourne. This page carries the race details, the 12 slot-holders and their runners, and Dean McHugh’s tips, updated through race week.

Part of the Sydney Everest Carnival, which runs from 19 September to 7 November 2026, and run on the same day as the 150th Caulfield Cup.

Race details

When is The Everest 2026?

Saturday 17 October 2026, the centrepiece of the Sydney Everest Carnival. The carnival runs seven weeks, from 19 September to 7 November, with 45 black-type and feature races and $82.84 million in prizemoney across the program.

How does The Everest slot system work?

The Everest has no nominations in the usual sense. Twelve slots are sold to owners, syndicates, bookmakers and breeders, and each slot-holder chooses the horse that runs in its slot, either one they own or one they strike a deal with. That is why the field is often known months out, and why a slot-holder can swap horses right up to the final declaration. The 12 runners then compete at weight-for-age over 1200 metres.

Where is The Everest run?

Royal Randwick, in Sydney’s eastern suburbs, on the 1200 metre course that starts near the 1200 chute and finishes up the long Randwick straight. It favours sprinters who can hold a strong tempo the whole way.

The Everest 2026 field and slot-holders

The 12 slot-holders confirm their runners in the weeks before the race, and the barrier draw follows in race week. This section lists each slot-holder and its horse as they are confirmed, with jockey, trainer, barrier and Dean’s comment.

The Everest 2026 tips

Dean McHugh’s The Everest 2026 tips are published in race week, once the final field and barriers are confirmed in race week. Dean is My Betting Mate’s racing and sports writer and rates every bookmaker on the site. His selections come with a short reason for each, and are updated again on race morning if there are scratchings or a track change.

Until then, read Dean’s Saturday previews through the carnival on our racing tips page.

Past Everest winners

Betting on Everest Day

With The Everest and the Caulfield Cup running on the same afternoon, most punters bet across both cards. Our guide to Australian betting apps covers live vision and fixed odds on the day, and how quickly each bookmaker pays out. Set a deposit limit before the day starts. If gambling is a problem for you or someone you know, call Gambling Help Online on 1800 858 858 or visit betstop.gov.au.

The Everest 2026 FAQ

How much is The Everest worth?

$20 million in 2026, which makes it the richest race on turf in the world.

How many horses run in The Everest?

Twelve. Each of the 12 slot-holders nominates one runner.

Is The Everest a Group 1 race?

Yes. It was run under special conditions from 2017 to 2023 and was elevated to Group 1 status in 2024.

What time is The Everest in Melbourne?

The same clock time as Sydney. Both cities are on daylight saving time in October, so there is no difference. The exact start time is published by the ATC in race week.