As the clip-on ties are being fixed and the stilettos slipped on, Kembla Grange trainer Kerry Parker will be traversing Mount Ousley on his way to Royal Randwick for The Everest race day – the jewel in the crown of the Everest Spring Carnival.

Parker had two runners in the inaugural running of the King Charles III Stakes in 2023 – the undercard to The Everest race on the day, which would have many monarchists clutching their proverbial pearl necklace.

“There’s no doubt the Everest has taken off and grabbed the public interest,” Parker said

“It’s a huge day.”

Parker, who rode as an amateur for "just the one" meeting at his home track of Kembla Grange, snagged a double which included “the cup”, but also trained a horse which captured the hearts of the Illawarra with racehorse Think It Over.

When asked about the great moments the horse racing industry has provided, he can’t go past the duels Think It Over had with the Annabel Neasham trained Zaaki, but conceded seeing his owners smile from ear to ear is the tonic water [unless you're cutting weight].

“The race against Zaaki in the Seven Stakes, they [both horses] were absolutely brilliant,” he said.

“I really enjoyed his clashes with Zaaki and I got terrific pleasure out of watching them - the determination of my horse and the great rides by Nash [Rawiller] beat Zaaki.

“But to win anywhere, it’s all about winning. If you can win races for your owners – sometimes that is a big relief.”

There is something outside of a horse, that is good for the inside of a man - unknown

From royalty to reporters - figures like Everest runner Tempted 's owner His Royal Highness Sheikh Mohammed and the late journalist Mike Willesee, have been many who have backed Australian racing and for Parker the best owners are the ones who don't pile on the pressure.

"There wasn't a lot of pressure there because Richard Johnson, who owned him, is terrific to train for," he said.

"His [Think It Over] first start for me was a race at Hawkesbury and to go from there, we have been able to just enjoy the ride."

During The Everest Spring Carnival, which is being hosted by the Australian Turf Club, the NSW government is conducting a Review of the Thoroughbred Racing Act 1996, but it seems there are some within the horse racing industry that are not aware.

With the consultation process beginning on 30 September until 24 November, Minister for Gaming and Racing David Harris said “the review of the Thoroughbred Racing Act 1996 is a critical piece of work that the NSW Government is undertaking”.

“The NSW government supports a thriving and sustainable racing industry across metropolitan, provincial, and country areas.

“The racing industry is a key contributor to the states employment, supports small business, and has a significant impact on our economy.”

Shadow Minister for Gaming and Racing Kevin Anderson said the NSW Coalition would continue to rally behind the industry.

“The NSW Coalition is proud to support the NSW Thoroughbred racing industry which continues to gallop well ahead of the other states,” Anderson said.

“The Everest Spring Carnival is another opportunity for thoroughbred racing to hit its stride and showcase our great state to the nation of the world.

“The Coalition has a strong history of supporting thoroughbred racing, particularly country racing, investing $67 million on regional racetrack upgrades – a first for NSW.”

As part of the review’s outline, it does not include provisions within the Act that establish Racing NSW as a body corporate that is independent of government.

Parker has two runners on Everest Stakes day, with one of his runners considered an omen among the 'angel numbers' – Race 2 - Horse Number 11 - Flying Bandit - Barrier Number 11 - which jumps at 1:05pm AESDT.

For more information on the review or how to be apart of the consultation head to: https://www.haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au/tra-review