Inglis will partner with worldwide racing and breeding powerhouse Yulong for the running of the 2025 The Everest, with the combination to be represented by Magic Time in the $20m contest.
Bred by John and Trish Muir’s Milburn Creek, Magic Time (Hellbent) was a dual G1 winner in the colours of her breeder before being acquired by Yulong in late 2024.
“Mr Zhang and Yulong are incredible supporters not just of Inglis, but of Australian racing and breeding, so when the opportunity came up to partner with them for The Everest, it was something we were very enthusiastic about,” said Inglis Bloodstock CEO Sebastian Hutch.
“It is disappointing to not have Skybird to represent us, but this is a not dissimilar situation to the one which saw us run Private Eye on the Inglis slot in 2022 and he finished a close second that year.
“Magic Time is a daughter of an Inglis Classic Sale graduate in Hellbent, while we are expecting her three quarter brother by I Am Invincible to be one of the stars of the Inglis Easter Yearling Sale in 2026.
“Grahame Begg has done an expert job in his management of her career and it is fantastic to have so many different people with whom Inglis has a strong working relationship represented in The Everest as part of this arrangement.
“Yulong are going to have big, strong drafts of yearlings across each of Classic, Premier and Easter Yearling Sales in 2026 and this is just another step in the strengthening of our ties with them,” said Hutch.
Yulong, who already have Inglis graduates Private Harry and Angel Capital contesting the race, are optimistic that Magic Time can make her presence felt on the biggest stage.
“Magic Time more than deserves a spot in The Everest,” said Yulong’s General Manager Jun Zhang.
“She’s the ultimate model of consistency, running into the top three on 14 occasions, including winning twice at the highest level.
“Her versatility with track conditions also adds another string to her bow.
“Grahame and Sue Begg are sending her to Sydney in peak form and off the back of two very strong starts already this season and she’s likely to pose a serious threat in this year’s edition.
We’re thrilled she has been given an opportunity to show her class in the Inglis slot in 2025.”
Breeder John Muir could scarcely contain his excitement at the prospect of Milburn Creek being represented in the world’s richest race on turf.
“We are so proud of Magic Time and delighted that thanks to Inglis and Yulong she will be running in The Everest,” said Muir.
Inglis graduates have won six of eight runnings of The Everest, including four of the last five through Classique Legend, Nature Strip, Think About It and Bella Nipotina.
There are currently 5 Inglis graduates as confirmed runners in the race in 2025 in Lady Shenandoah, Private Harry, Joliestar, Angel Capital and Overpass.
