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Australia’s leading integrated resort company, The Star Entertainment Group and one of The Everest’s founding slot holders will be partnering with Grand Syndicates and dual Gr.1 winner – Behemoth.
Everest Diaries speaks to Nicholas Santucci, the Manager of Business Development at the ASX 100 listed - The Star Entertainment Group about their choice of contender, his favourite horse, their future plans and much more:
Q: Based on your learnings from the last few years, what was the strategy behind partnering with Grand Syndicates and Behemoth?
A: We’ve been fortunate in previous years to partner with some of Australia’s best trainers and owners, as well as selecting good quality horses. However, it’s a tough race with nearly all the favorites being Group One winners, despite The Everest not yet been classified as a Gr.1 race.
This year, we decided to defer finalizing our selection to determine which horses are showing good form at the start of Spring.
Q: How has the journey as an Everest slot holder been for The Star?
A: As long-time supporters of the racing community, The Star was exceptionally proud to be a founding slot holder in 2017. Involvement with The Everest has expanded from being a slot holder to this year becoming an integral part of the event with BLACK Bar & Grill’s Executive Chef Dany Karam announced as Official Chef Partner for The Everest Carnival. Taking inspiration from his Middle Eastern roots, Dany will be curating the menus for several race days.
On property at The Star Sydney, we will continue to provide our guests with a unique and memorable experience. They will have the opportunity to enjoy the spectacle within the recently unveiled Sovereign – a A$250 million VIP entertainment venue that is truly world-class and the best of its kind in Sydney.
At the track, we will follow the recommendations from relevant health and government authorities in relation to the number of people allowed on the day
Q: What would winning, The Everest mean to you and The Star?
A: We take pride in the process of selecting the right partners for Everest. A win would be a phenomenal result for The Star and a reflection of the importance we as racing enthusiasts and, as an organization, place on our partnership with Racing NSW, and as a founding slot holder of The Everest. Naturally, winning (or placing) would add to the excitement of our team and guests' experience on race day as they fully embrace the thrill and unique experience of being an “owner” for a day.
Q: Who is your favourite horse of all time? And why?
A: Winx is the best horse that I have seen. I loved watching her race, sitting back in the field, and just as you thought she had left her run too late, she changes gear and would take off. She was amazing and her record proves it.
Q: What are The Star Entertainment Group’s key aspirations for the next decade?
A: By 2025, we hope to double the number of hotels we currently offer across our properties including world-renowned brands such as Ritz Carlton, Rosewood, and Dorsett. In addition, our properties will offer more than double the number of restaurants and bars, totaling 130 when our developments are fully realized.
We have big plans across South East Queensland in partnership with our Hong Kong-based partners, Chow Tai Fook Enterprises and the Far East Consortium.
In Brisbane, we are on track to deliver the A$3.6 billion Queen’s Wharf development that will herald a new era of entertainment to the city. On the Gold Coast, the proposed A$2 billion expanded master plan is continuing at pace. We are currently in the construction phase of the Dorsett hotel and apartment tower which is expected to be completed in 2022. In recent years, we have invested around A$500 million into upgrades of our hotels, restaurants and bars and entertainment facilities at The Star Sydney.