It will be racing’s version of Family Feud as another Hayes runner is set to race in The Everest, with War Machine the latest starter locked in on Sunday.
War Machine was impressive in taking out the Gilgai Stakes on Saturday at Flemington.
Trained by Ben, JD and Will Hayes, War Machine is currently a $17 chance for The Everest with Bet365 with the trio’s father, David, training the $1.70 red hot favourite Ka Ying Rising.
WAR MACHINE ⚡⚡
What a return! Everest next @lindsayparkrace 🤔 pic.twitter.com/cRmjVZN7fe
— 7HorseRacing 🐎 (@7horseracing) October 4, 2025
The 5 year-old gelding will race in the Coolmore slot.
“Coolmore has a long standing relationship with the Hayes family and we’re delighted to team up with Ben, Will and JD for our slot in The Everest this year,” Coolmore Australia Principal, Tom Magnier said.
“Similarly, there are very few people that put as much into racing as Rupert Legh, so it’s great to offer him and his partners a place in this great race. The last two winners of the race have come through the Stradbroke, so it’s a proven formula, and we’re looking forward to what promises to be another great edition of the race.”
Ben Hayes had previously told Betsy they believed War Machine could compete with the best.
“He is ready to step up and show that he is up with the best sprinters. It would be nice to take on Ka Ying Rising.”
