Bella Nipotina holds off Giga Kick in classic finish to win the 2024 Everest
Updated . First published at
Bella Nipotina connections rejoice, the seven-year-old is the 2024 winner of The Everest.
The mare was stuck in a battle with Giga Kick from 100 metres out but the Ciaron Maher-trained horse managed to hold on and win.
"Magnificent race, an incredible classic run up the straight between two wonderful horses," presenter Bruce McAvaney said on 7.
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Bella Nipotina wins The Everest. 7
The $20 million Everest started in dramatic fashion with Traffic Warden scratched at the gate, ending jockey Jamie Kah's quest in the rich race.
Bella Nipotina ran out from barrier 12 and started strong but struggled to cross early.
Storm Boy and Growing Empire were out to the front but started to fall away with 150 metres left.
2022 winner Giga Kick looked to be coming home very strong but Bella Nipotina held on to deliver jockey Craig Williams his second title.
The race was the first time Maher had a runner in The Everest
"We thought she was in career best form ... we said at the barrier draw she's got an uncanny knack of running well from any gate, wide, inside, it doesn't matter" he told 7.
"A beautiful ride from Craig ... I can't thank my team enough."
Williams was equally as elated, describing it as "amazing" and "very special".
Craig Williams on Bella Nipotina. Getty
The winning jockey, who has continually donated and visited Ukraine to provide humanitarian aid, declared the winnings would go towards that.
"My children cheering at home, I told them if we win it only pays for more things in Ukraine, not for more pets so Allana, Oliver and Summer, no more kittens," he said.
