Schillaci Stakes winner gains Everest slot

The Schillaci Stakes, now a lead-in race to Everest, has an honour roll that includes Black Caviar.

The turf wars between Victoria and NSW appear to be softening with the winner of the Schillaci Stakes at Caulfield set to gain a start in The Everest.

On Tuesday it was announced the Melbourne Racing Club had joined with the Australian Turf Club in its slot for the $14 million The Everest at Randwick on October 19, the date of the MRC’s Caulfield Cup.

The collaboration creates an opportunity to combine The Everest with the long-standing tradition of the Caulfield Cup to make it one of the premier events on the racing calendar.

A new racing series, culminating in the Group Two Schillaci Stakes on Caulfield Guineas Day, will see the winner of that race offered The Everest slot held by the ATC and MRC.

Lead-up races at Caulfield for the Schillaci Stakes include the Regal Roller Stakes (August 17), The Heath 1100 (August 31) and the Testa Rossa Stakes (September 29).

Significant modern-day winners of the Schillaci include unbeaten champion Black Caviar who was successful in 2010 and 2011.

Last year’s race, run on the same day as the Everest, was won by the Sydney-trained sprinter Ball Of Muscle.

MRC chief executive Josh Blanksby said the forging of a partnership between the MRC and the ATC around The Everest and the Caulfield Cup carnival would generate significant interest for Australian racing.

“From an MRC perspective, connecting the Schillaci to the Everest, will see an increased interest in racing on Caulfield Guineas Day, as well as the lead-up races preceding it,” Blanksby said.

“This concept breaks down barriers by fostering collaboration, embracing two great racing carnivals to benefit the entire industry, our members, participants, fans and punters.”