The Everest 2026 Tips and Race Guide

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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.

Result: Tempted won The Everest on Saturday 17 October 2026, ridden by Chad Schofield for trainer Ciaron Maher, from Ka Ying Rising and Joliestar.

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: the first three

Tempted (barrier 1, Chad Schofield, trained by Ciaron Maher) won from the 2025 winner Ka Ying Rising (barrier 11, Zac Purton, trained by David Hayes) and Joliestar (barrier 5, James McDonald, trained by Chris Waller). The 2027 slot-holders and field will be published here as they are confirmed next year.

The Everest tips

Dean McHugh’s tips for The Everest 2027 will be published here in race week next October.

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.