Despite becoming arguably the biggest and most talked about race of the year, The Everest is still not classed as a Group 1.
Introduced in 2017, the $15 million event has taken Sydney racing to new levels and dominated headlines during the spring, which has historically been all about Melbourne.
The Everest is classed as a 'Special Conditions' race, and has an unusual entry fee structure, with 12 slots sold for $600,000 each and the slot holders then selecting their runners.
Despite the best sprinters in the country competing in the race each year, it is still not classified as a Group 1 due to a myriad of reasons.
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Why isn't The Everest classed as a Group 1?
The Everest was not given Group 1 status upon its inception five years ago, and the main reason is because of the timing.
Each year, the race is held two weeks after the NRL Grand Final, which happens to fall on the same day as the Caulfield Cup and six days prior to the G1 Manikato Stakes at Moonee Valley.
For the 'pattern committee' that decides on G1 status in Australia, all states and territories must vote unanimously to approve a new race at this level.
But due to the impact it has had on Racing Victoria, they have vetoed the recommendations in previous years.
According to a report from The Sydney Morning Herald, Racing Victoria offered to grant the race G1 status if Racing NSW stopped creating new races that clash with the spring majors. For example, the introduction of 'The Big Dance' on Melbourne Cup day, angered those south of the border.
The slot-holder element could also play a factor in the decision to not award The Everest with G1 status.
Racing NSW boss Peter V'landys slammed the decision to prevent The Everest from becoming a Group 1 prior to the 2022 edition of the race.
"This is the best sprint race in the world, there is no higher rating sprint,'' he said.
"For me, it doesn't matter if it is a Group 1 or Group 22, but the owners and breeders would like to see it as a Group 1, and it is a Group 1.
"It is embarrassing that sprint races are run at Group 1 level in this country and are nowhere near the level of The Everest. It makes a farce of Australian racing this race is not a Group 1.''
The likes of Kerrin McEvoy, Mick Price and Bruce McAveney have also called for a change to the status of The Everest.
