Chris Barrett has been involved in more Everest victories than almost anyone in the race’s history, yet most punters wouldn’t recognise him.
The veteran jockey valet has no Everest trophies of his own, but he has been the man behind the winning jockey’s saddle on six occasions.
And according to James McDonald, one of Barrett’s long-time clients, his secret weapon is simple.
“He is an old woman,” McDonald said.
“But in a good way.”
Barrett has prepared the winning saddles for Kerrin McEvoy’s three Everest triumphs – twice aboard Redzel and once on Classique Legend.
He was also behind Glen Boss when he won on Yes Yes Yes, McDonald’s victory on Nature Strip and Zac Purton’s triumph aboard Ka Ying Rising last year.
“You want an old woman on a day like [Everest Day],” Boss said.
“Chris has ridden himself and knows what you need. It just makes it easier for you knowing things will be right.
“He gets everything right and knows the right thing to say.”
Barrett won’t attract much attention at Randwick on Saturday. He’ll be working behind the scenes, preparing gear and ensuring his jockeys have everything they need.
But if Purton, McDonald, McEvoy, Tommy Berry or Taylor Marshall wins the $20 million Everest, Barrett will be waiting to collect the saddle.
For Barrett, one victory would be particularly special.
Queensland-based Marshall, who rides Spicy Martini, is his nephew and the son of his great mate John Marshall.
“I’d love to see any one of them, but Taylor would be more special because he is blood,” Barrett said.
“It is great that he is riding in the race and I’ll make sure he is ready to go.
“Being there when he won the Stradbroke on Spicy Martini was one of the greatest days I have had in the job.”
As the Everest approaches, Barrett’s work will intensify.
His job is to ensure everything runs smoothly, allowing the jockeys to concentrate on the task ahead.
“I know what is needed and make sure they can concentrate on the race,” he said.
“My job is to make things flow for all of them during the day.
“It is good when they get those results.”
So naturally the question is who will get the luck of Barrett’s services on Saturday?
The veteran will partner Berry and Ninja in The Everest, who says Barrett’s value extends well beyond preparing saddles and equipment.
“Chris gets the gear ready and knows what will help me. That might be a word or just keeping quiet,” Berry said.
“You actually can’t put a value on what he does for us.”
