Yulong will reunite with Triple Crown Syndications in a bid to reprise their 2018 Everest victory together after selecting Mazu as its runner in this year’s race.
The breeding and racing superpower has called on the veteran sprinter to fill their slot that was left vacant when Private Harry’s spring came to an abrupt halt after a Premiere Stakes failure.
Now a seven-year-old, Mazu is no stranger to The Everest stage.
He has twice taken up the challenge in the $20 million race, finishing third to Giga Kick in the 2022 edition.
Mazu entered Everest discussions when finishing third to Briasa in the Premiere after setting a frantic pace.
“Obviously, it’s disappointing that injury forced Private Harry’s withdrawal from the Yulong slot, but to secure a seasoned sprinter like Mazu is a huge bonus, particularly at this late stage”, said Yulong chief operating officer Sam Fairgray.
“Mr Zhang has already tasted success in The Everest with Triple Crown Syndications previously, thanks to Redzel’s phenomenal run in 2018, and it’s extremely exciting to be partnering with the team again for another tilt.”
Mazu has been one of Australia’s most reliable and consistent sprinters, amassing more than $9m in prize money.
His most important win came in the 2022 Group 1 Doomben 10,000.
“We’re absolutely thrilled to see Mazu lining up in the 2025 edition of The Everest for the third time,” Sam Manion, director of racing at Triple Crown, said.
“It’s a race that represents the pinnacle of world sprinting and continues to get bigger and better every year. To have Mazu competing in his third instalment is incredible and a true testament to his class, consistency, and the outstanding team behind him.
“We couldn’t be prouder to see him carrying the Triple Crown colours on racing’s biggest stage.
“We’re also delighted to be doing it once again in partnership with Yulong, with whom we’ve shared so much success in the past.”
Mazu joins Yulong-owned Angel Capital and Magic Time as an Everest runner at Randwick on Saturday.
“We’re in a very fortunate position this year and looking forward to watching how it plays out on Saturday.”
Pride has had seven Everest runners, his crowning moment coming in 2023 when Think About It defeated I Wish I Win.
He was also represented that year by the minor placegetter Private Eye, who was runner-up in 2022, splitting Giga Kick and Mazu.
