James McDonald to Ride Joliestar for Chris Waller Racing in $20 Million Sprint at Randwick

The Everest 2025: Joliestar, War Machine Headline Final Field

Sydney, Australia – October 14, 2025 – The final field for The Everest, Australia’s richest turf race, has been confirmed, setting the stage for a thrilling competition at Randwick Racecourse this Saturday. Joliestar and War Machine are currently drawing notable attention from racing enthusiasts and analysts alike.

Jockey Decisions Shape Everest Contenders

A pivotal decision saw premier jockey James McDonald commit to riding Joliestar, trained by Chris Waller, over stablemate Lady Shenandoah. Damian Lane will now pilot Lady Shenandoah in the prestigious race. this choice reflects McDonald’s strong partnership with Joliestar, notably after her commanding victory in The Shorts on September 20th.

According to Charlie Duckworth, Waller’s assistant trainer, the decision was collaborative, acknowledging McDonald’s established rapport with both horses. He emphasized that mcdonald is entitled to ride the best Sydney has to offer, and currently Joliestar is viewed as that horse.

key Horses to Watch

Several horses are positioned to make a strong showing. Trainer Ben, Will and JD Hayes have expressed confidence in War Machine, highlighting the horse’s four wins and impressive performance carrying 60kg in the Gilgai. The consistent performance of Lady Shenandoah, with a notable second-place finish in the Concorde Stakes, also marks her as a significant threat. Briasa’s recent betterment after a challenging first run has also garnered attention.

Joe Pride-trained Mazu secured a late entry into The Everest following an injury to Private Harry, with Jason Collett set to ride. Joliestar, returning from last year’s Everest field where she finished seventh, aims to improve upon her previous performance.

The Everest 2025 Final Field

Horse	jockey	Trainer	Odds
Hayes	Zac Purton	Hayes	$1.80
Briasa	Tyler Schiller	John, Michael and wayne Hawkes	$12
Overpass	Josh Parr	bjorn Baker	$51
Jimmysstar	Ethan Brown	Ciaron maher	$9
War Machine	Tim Clark	ben, will and JD Hayes	$17
mazu	jason Collett	Joe Pride	$101
Jadbeel	Cerrin McEvoy	Brad Widd	$201
Angel Capital	Ben Melham	Chris Waller	$26
Joliestar	James McDonald	Chris Waller	$6
Lady Shenandoah	Damian Lane	Chris Waller	$13
Magic Time	Michaek Dee	Grahame Begg	$51
Tempted	craig Williams	Ciaron Maher	$13

Did You Know? The Everest, first run in 2017, quickly became Australia’s premier sprint race, attracting top horses and jockeys from around the globe.

with the field now set, all eyes turn to Randwick racecourse this Saturday for what promises to be a impressive edition of The Everest. Which horse do you believe has the edge heading into the race?

Do you think James McDonald made the right choice in committing to Joliestar, or could Lady Shenandoah have been a stronger contender?

Understanding The Everest

the Everest is a 1200-meter sprint race held annually at Randwick Racecourse in Sydney, Australia. It is unique in that the starting positions are sold to slot-holders, who then select the horses they want to run in their slot. This innovative format has contributed to its rapid rise in prominence within the racing world. the race boasts a substantial prize pool, attracting some of the most talented horses and jockeys globally.

Historically, horses with strong early speed and proven performance over similar distances have excelled in The Everest. Track conditions on race day also play a crucial role, with horses adapting well to varying surfaces having an added advantage.

Frequently Asked Questions About The Everest

• what is The Everest? The Everest is a 1200m sprint race in Sydney, known as Australia’s richest turf race.
• What makes The Everest unique? the Everest utilizes a slot-holder system where positions are purchased, allowing slot-holders to choose their runners.
• Who are some of the key contenders for The Everest? Joliestar and War Machine are currently considered top contenders for the 2025 race.
• How does jockey selection impact The Everest? Jockey selection can significantly affect a horse’s chances, as seen with James McDonald’s decision to ride Joliestar.
• What track conditions favor success in The Everest? horses that can adapt to various track conditions tend to perform better in The Everest.

Share your predictions and thoughts on The Everest in the comments below!

What weight allocation will Joliestar be carrying in the Randwick sprint, and how might this impact James McDonald’s riding strategy?

James McDonald to Ride Joliestar in $20 Million Randwick Sprint

Chris Waller Racing has confirmed champion jockey James McDonald will partner with Joliestar in the upcoming $20 million sprint at Randwick Racecourse. This high-profile pairing is a significant move as Joliestar aims for a major victory in one of Australia’s richest races. The event, a key fixture in the Australian racing calendar, promises thrilling competition and ample prize money.

Joliestar’s Recent Form & Key Performances

Joliestar has demonstrated consistent performance leading up to this crucial race. Recent runs have highlighted the gelding’s stamina and ability to perform under pressure.

* Recent Wins: Joliestar secured a notable win in the Group 2 Theo Marks Stakes at Rosehill,showcasing its current form.

* Track record: The horse has a solid record at Randwick, familiarizing itself with the course’s unique challenges.

* distance Suitability: The Randwick sprint distance is considered ideal for joliestar’s running style, favoring horses with strong finishing speed.

* Weight Allocation: Joliestar is carrying [insert weight allocation here – research needed], a factor that will influence McDonald’s riding strategy.

James McDonald & Chris Waller: A Winning Combination

The partnership between James McDonald and Chris Waller Racing is renowned for its success.McDonald’s remarkable skill and tactical awareness complement Waller’s training expertise.

* Previous Collaborations: McDonald has ridden numerous winners for Waller, including several Group 1 victories.

* Understanding Joliestar: McDonald has previously ridden Joliestar, gaining valuable insight into the horse’s temperament and capabilities.

* Strategic Advantage: This pre-existing rapport provides a strategic advantage, allowing for seamless dialog and coordinated race tactics.

* Waller’s Confidence: Chris Waller expressed his confidence in McDonald’s ability to extract the best performance from Joliestar.

The Competition: Key Rivals in the $20 Million Sprint

Joliestar will face stiff competition from a field of highly talented sprinters. Identifying key rivals is crucial for understanding the race dynamics.

* [Rival Horse 1]: Trained by [Trainer Name], this horse is known for its early speed and strong challenge.

* [Rival Horse 2]: A consistent performer with a proven track record in major sprints. Jockey: [Jockey Name].

* [Rival Horse 3]: An emerging talent with the potential to upset established contenders.

* Potential Dark Horses: Keep an eye on [Horse Name] and [Horse Name], who could surprise with a strong showing.

Randwick Racecourse: Track Characteristics & Considerations

Randwick Racecourse presents unique challenges for both horses and jockeys. Understanding these characteristics is vital for success.

* Track Surface: The Randwick track is typically well-maintained,offering a fair racing surface.

* undulating Terrain: The course features undulating terrain, requiring horses with stamina and adaptability.

* Tight Turns: The tight turns demand skillful navigation and precise positioning.

* Home Straight Length: The long home straight provides opportunities for late surges and thrilling finishes.

Betting Odds & Expert Predictions

Current betting odds position Joliestar as a [insert current odds – research needed] contender. However, expert predictions vary, reflecting the competitive nature of the race.

* Early favourites: [Horse Name] and [Horse Name] are currently favored by bookmakers.

* Joliestar’s Chances: Analysts believe Joliestar has a strong chance of placing, especially with McDonald aboard.

* Factors Influencing Odds: Track conditions,barrier draw,and late betting fluctuations will all impact the final odds.

* Where to Bet: Reputable online bookmakers such as Sportsbet,TAB,and Ladbrokes offer competitive odds and thorough race coverage. (Disclaimer: Please gamble responsibly.)

Training Regimen & Pre-Race Preparations

Chris Waller Racing has implemented a meticulous training regimen to ensure Joliestar is in peak condition for the sprint.

* Focus on Stamina: Training has emphasized stamina and endurance to prepare for the demanding Randwick course.

* speed Work: regular speed work sessions have been incorporated to enhance Joliestar’s finishing speed.

* Barrier Trials: Successful barrier trials have demonstrated Joliestar’s readiness to race.

* Nutrition & Recovery: A carefully planned nutrition and recovery programme is crucial for optimizing performance.

McDonald’s Riding Style & Tactics for the Sprint

James McDonald is known for his calculated and adaptable riding style. his tactics for the Randwick sprint are likely to be influenced by the pace of the race and the positioning of key rivals.

* Positioning Strategy: McDonald may opt for a mid-field position, allowing Joliestar to conserve energy before making a late run.

* Pace Assessment: Accurately assessing the race pace is crucial for determining the optimal timing of the final sprint.

* utilizing Joliestar’s Strengths: McDonald will aim to leverage Joliestar’