Country horses get their own “Everest”

The general public will be able to participate in the inaugural $1.3 million Kosciuszko for country-trained horses to be run on the program for the $13 million Everest.

Through a joint venture with the Australian Hotels Association, Tabcorp and Racing NSW, people will be able to buy $5 sweepstake tickets to win a share in one of the 12 horses in the Kosciuszko.

The 1200m set weights and penalties race is for horses trained in country NSW as from July 18.

Tickets go on sale on Thursday at TAB outlets and AHA hotels with TAB facilities with the draw to be held on September 14.

The race will be on the support program for the $13 million Everest at Randwick on October 13.

NSW Racing Minister Peter Toole said the race was a great way to showcase NSW country-trained horses.

“I congratulate Racing NSW on this exciting new initiative to support regional NSW racing which plays such a vital role in cities and towns across the state,” he said.

Lion Beer Australia will be sponsoring The Kosciuszko race in association with its Kosciuszko beer brand.

Racing NSW will also be contributing $125,000 from the sale of tickets in the Kosciuszko promotion to the Aussie Helpers charity to support drought-stricken NSW farmers.

In the TAB’s first market posted on Wednesday, Care To Think, trained at Murwillumbah by Matt Dunn, is the $6 favourite.

Group One-placed mare Eckstein, trained at Goulburn by Kurt Goldman and the Jenny Graham-trained Victorem, winner of the $500,000 Country Championship in April, are next at $8.