Racing NSW boost Everest prize-money to make it second richest race

In their efforts to try and rival the Melbourne Cup Racing New South Wales has announced an increase of AUS$3 million (£1,758,000) to the prize-money for the world's richest turf race, The Everest.

Next year's AUS$13m (£7,618,000) prize-fund will match that of the Dubai World Cup, with a commitment of further increases of AUS$1m (£586,000) for the two years that follow to take the pot up to AUS$15m (£8,790,000) behind only the Pegasus World Cup (US$16m, £12.2m).

“We greatly admire the Melbourne Cup for the enormous coverage it receives and the place it holds in Australia’s culture,” Racing NSW CEO Peter V’landys told The Daily Telegraph. “However, Sydney needs its own event. It's got to stop playing second fiddle to Melbourne. After all, Sydney is the world’s greatest city and we should strive to have the world’s great events.”

The Everest winner Redzel will chase a sixth consecutive win on Saturday as he looks to cement his position as one of the world's best sprinters in the Group 1 Darley Classic at Flemington.

The five-year-old will reoppose several of his Everest rivals, including runner-up Vega Magic. Co-trainer Peter Snowden said: "I couldn't be happier with how the horse has trained on since The Everest. He's in a fantastic place and is very happy in himself. We've given him a month between races again when we know he's at his very best and he'll be tough to beat again on Saturday.

"We'll see how the track plays but we're happy with the draw as the horse has fantastic gate speed and has already shown that he's adaptable in leading or tracking the leaders. His work on Tuesday was excellent and it's all systems go for Saturday."

Mary Reveley funeral

The funeral of trainer Mary Reveley, who died last week, will be held at 1.15pm on Tuesday November 14 at St Nicholas Church, Church Street, Guisborough.

Former Nicholls assistant Jonason joins Weatherbys

Weatherbys Racing Bank has appointed former Paul Nicholls' assistant trainer Tom Jonason as head of business development.

Jonason joined on Monday having previously worked for Racing FX for 18 months. He had been assistant to Nicholls for six years before that.

Jonason said: "Having gained first-hand experience in the racing world with the likes of Paul Nicholls and more recently Racing FX, I'm now delighted to be joining one of the most recognisable names in the thoroughbred industry."

Able new manager at Newmarket

Sophie Able has been appointed to the new role of general manager of Newmarket racecourses.

The new position was created on the back of the growth of Jockey Club Racecourse’s east region and reports into JCR's east regional director Amy Starkey, who is responsible for the running of Newmarket's Rowley Mile and July Course, Huntingdon, Market Rasen and Nottingham.

For the last five years Able has been based at Newmarket as head of sales for JCR's east region.

She said: "I'm delighted to have been given the opportunity to further develop my career within the Jockey Club. I'm passionate about the success of Newmarket racecourses, its status in the local community and in British racing."

Lad connections appeal against demotion

Connections of Larchmont Lad, first past the post in the Listed Knockaire Stakes at Leopardstown last month, have lodged an appeal into the stewards' decision to reverse the placings with Making Light and demote their horse to second.