Chris Waller’s powerhouse stable has confirmed another contender for the world’s richest turf race, The Everest, with his star mare Lady Shenandoah officially booked into the $20 million feature to be run at Randwick on October 18.
The four-year-old daughter of Snitzel, who already boasts an outstanding Group 1 résumé, was announced on Monday as the latest runner to be locked into the 1200m sprint. She will fill the coveted slot owned by John Camilleri’s Fairway Thoroughbreds, joining fellow Waller-trained mare Joliestar, who secured her berth just a week earlier.
The announcement makes Lady Shenandoah the sixth horse confirmed for this year’s renewal of The Everest, continuing the steady build-up of anticipation for Australia’s richest and most prestigious sprint contest.
Rising Star with Proven Group 1 Credentials
Lady Shenandoah has already established herself as one of the most talented mares in the country. Racing in the famous Hermitage Thoroughbreds colours, she burst onto the scene during her three-year-old season, collecting an enviable trio of Group 1 victories in the Flight Stakes, Surround Stakes, and Coolmore Classic.
Her early success cemented her status as a top-class competitor, but her return to the track this spring has reminded punters and racing analysts alike that she is far from finished. Earlier this month, she made her seasonal reappearance in the Group 3 Concorde Stakes, where she charged home for an eye-catching second despite experiencing little luck in running. That performance proved she had returned in superb order and underlined her credentials as a genuine Everest threat.
Pride for Hermitage Thoroughbreds
For Hermitage Thoroughbreds, Lady Shenandoah’s inclusion in The Everest represents a milestone moment. Shannon Clarke, the manager of Hermitage, expressed the significance of the achievement for the ownership group.
“We are thrilled to see Lady Shenandoah gain a spot in this year’s Everest. It’s a race that captures the imagination of the racing world and to be represented by a mare of her calibre is a great honour. We’re also incredibly grateful to Fairway Thoroughbreds for their support and confidence in Lady Shenandoah.”
The comment reflects not only the pride of her connections but also the collaborative nature of The Everest concept, which requires slot-holders and owners to align their ambitions for racing glory.
Strategic Preparation Ahead
While The Everest remains the ultimate goal, Lady Shenandoah’s journey to Randwick will include another major challenge. Waller has confirmed the mare will continue her preparation in the $2 million Group 1 Manikato Stakes at Moonee Valley on September 26. The prestigious race, staged under lights at one of Australia’s most iconic venues, has long been considered the ideal lead-in event for sprinters targeting The Everest.
The Manikato will provide Lady Shenandoah with another opportunity to sharpen her speed and fitness against high-quality opposition before lining up against the world’s best sprinters in Sydney.
Waller’s Dual-Handed Everest Ambition
Lady Shenandoah’s confirmation also bolsters Chris Waller’s hand as he plots another major assault on The Everest. Having trained past winners such as Nature Strip, Waller is no stranger to the pressure and prestige that comes with the race. With both Lady Shenandoah and Joliestar now locked in, the champion trainer will have a formidable team to unleash in the $20 million event.
While Joliestar brings a developing profile and untapped potential, Lady Shenandoah arrives with proven Group 1 class and a record of standing tall on racing’s biggest stages. The pairing gives Waller an enviable balance of youthful promise and hardened experience heading into the spring’s biggest sprint.
The Everest Story Continues to Build
Each year, the build-up to The Everest captures the imagination of not only racing enthusiasts but also the broader sporting public. With its unique slot-holder format and record-breaking prizemoney, the race has transformed into one of the most significant fixtures on the global racing calendar.
The announcement of Lady Shenandoah’s entry adds another layer of intrigue to the 2025 edition. Punters are already beginning to assess the form, storylines, and rivalries that will define the contest. For Lady Shenandoah, the combination of proven ability, powerful ownership, and Waller’s meticulous preparation ensures she will be one of the most talked-about contenders leading into race day.
Looking Ahead
As the countdown to October 18 continues, all eyes will be on Lady Shenandoah’s performance in the Manikato Stakes. A strong showing there would confirm her readiness to challenge for the ultimate prize in Australian racing.
For Hermitage Thoroughbreds, Fairway Thoroughbreds, and Chris Waller, the dream of Everest glory is now tantalisingly close. Should Lady Shenandoah rise to the occasion, she would not only deliver another Group 1 triumph but also etch her name into history as one of the few to conquer the richest turf race in the world.
