Headwall lands Everest slot
The seven-year-old’s two strong runs after a year away have secured him a place in the $20 million sprint at Royal Randwick on October 17.
Headwall has been confirmed for the 2026 TAB Everest, giving trainer Matt Smith his second runner in Australia’s richest race.
The seven-year-old will represent the slot shared by Max Whitby, Neil Werrett, Col Madden and Steve McCann in the $20 million, 1200-metre Group 1 at Royal Randwick on October 17.
Headwall is the third confirmed runner in the 12-horse field, joining reigning champion Ka Ying Rising in The Hong Kong Jockey Club slot and Ninja for Fairway Thoroughbreds.
Headwall returned this spring after 12 months away because of a bone chip in a hind pastern. He finished second to Tempted in the Concorde Stakes before finishing fifth in The Shorts on September 19, one length behind Mazu.
Smith is considering another start in the Premiere Stakes to build Headwall’s fitness after the extended absence.
Whitby and Werrett have held a slot since The Everest began in 2017. Their best results have been seconds with Vega Magic in the inaugural running and Masked Crusader in 2021.
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