Races

Lady Shenandoah’s Everest Quest

Posted on | Posted by TABtouch

As the countdown to the 2025 edition of The Everest intensifies, all eyes are on the clash between Hong Kong’s unbeaten superstar Ka Ying Rising and Australia’s homegrown heroine Lady Shenandoah. The $20 million sprint at Randwick on October 18 promises to be one of the best yet, and Lady Shenandoah’s journey to the race has been nothing short of compelling.

Lady Shenandoah’s Spring campaign kicked off in the Group 3 Concorde Stakes, where she was sent out as the favourite in a stacked field. Despite the shorter trip and a tricky inside draw, the 4-year-old mare delivered what some are calling the best run of her career – even in defeat.

Trainer Chris Waller had her primed, and jockey James McDonald was sitting on a lapful of horse turning for home. But luck deserted them. Held up for a crucial moment, Lady Shenandoah finally burst clear only to find Headwall had stolen a race-winning break. The photo finish told the story: she was flying late, but the line came too soon. Her second-place finish was a testament to her class, solidifying her credentials as a genuine Everest contender.

While Lady Shenandoah was dazzling at Randwick, Ka Ying Rising was making headlines of his own in Hong Kong. The David Hayes-trained sprinter resumed in the HKSAR Chief Executive’s Cup and made it look like a barrier trial. Under Zac Purton, he cruised to a 2¼ length win, extending his unbeaten streak to 13. The Everest favourite arrives in Australia on September 22 and will trial at Randwick on October 7, giving fans a glimpse of the “freak” before the big day.

Back at home, Lady Shenandoah’s next step is still under consideration. The Group 2 The Shorts on September 20 is the most likely option, although the Group 1 Manikato Stakes at The Valley 6 days later is also on the radar.

Regardless of the path she takes, Lady Shenandoah is on a collision course with Ka Ying Rising in what promises to be a race for the ages. Get excited!




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