In a partnership built on shared respect and ambition, Inglis and Yulong have confirmed they will team up for The Everest 2025, choosing the brilliant mare Magic Time to carry their hopes in the $20 million contest at Randwick.
For Inglis, the collaboration represents both continuity and renewal — a reminder of their deep ties with Australian breeding and a show of faith in Yulong’s ever-growing influence on the racing landscape.
“Mr Zhang and Yulong are incredible supporters not just of Inglis, but of Australian racing and breeding,” said Inglis Bloodstock CEO Sebastian Hutch. “When the opportunity came up to partner with them for The Everest, it was something we were very enthusiastic about.”
Magic Time Ready for Racing’s Biggest Stage
Magic Time, bred by John and Trish Muir’s Milburn Creek, has long been admired for her consistency and heart. The daughter of Hellbent, an Inglis Classic Sale graduate, was a dual Group 1 winner before being acquired by Yulong late in 2024.
Although Inglis had originally hoped to be represented by Skybird, the decision to select Magic Time echoes the strategy that saw them run Private Eye in 2022 — a move that nearly yielded The Everest glory with a gallant second.
Hutch remains optimistic that lightning could strike this year. “Grahame Begg has done an expert job in his management of her career,” he said. “It’s fantastic to have so many people with whom Inglis shares strong ties represented in The Everest.”
He added that Yulong’s upcoming drafts across the Classic, Premier, and Easter Yearling Sales in 2026 would further strengthen the collaboration between the two powerhouse operations.
Yulong Confident in Their Star Mare
Yulong’s General Manager Jun Zhang echoed that confidence, calling Magic Time “the ultimate model of consistency.”
“She’s run into the top three on 14 occasions, including two wins at the highest level,” Zhang said. “Her versatility with track conditions adds another string to her bow, and she’s heading to Sydney in peak form after two strong starts this season.”
“Grahame and Sue Begg have her right where she needs to be,” Zhang added. “We’re thrilled she has been given the opportunity to show her class in the Inglis slot for The Everest 2025.”
A Proud Moment for Milburn Creek
For breeder John Muir, seeing Magic Time line up in The Everest is a deeply personal triumph.
“We are so proud of her and delighted that, thanks to Inglis and Yulong, she will be running in The Everest,” said Muir, reflecting the immense satisfaction of seeing a homebred mare reach racing’s richest turf contest.
Inglis graduates have dominated The Everest since its inception, winning six of the eight editions to date, including four of the last five through champions like Classique Legend, Nature Strip, Think About It, and Bella Nipotina.
This year, Magic Time joins a formidable lineup of Inglis alumni, including Lady Shenandoah, Private Harry, Joliestar, Angel Capital, and Overpass, as confirmed contenders for 2025’s renewal.
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