Lady Shenandoah has been selected by slot-holder John Camilleri’s Fairway Thoroughbreds for the $20 million The Everest.

Hall of Fame trainer Chris Waller confirmed a deal had been struck with Lady Shenandoah‘s owners, Hermitage Thoroughbreds, to secure the mare’s place in the elite 12-horse field for the world’s richest turf race at Royal Randwick on October 18.

“We are thrilled to see Lady Shenandoah gain a spot in this year’s Everest,” Hermitage’s Shannon Clarke said.

“It’s a race that captures the imagination of the racing world, and to be represented by a mare of her calibre is a great honour.

“We’re also incredibly grateful to Fairway Thoroughbreds for their support and confidence in Lady Shenandoah.”

• PUNT LIKE A PRO: Become a Racenet iQ member and get expert tips – with fully transparent return on investment statistics – from Racenet’s team of professional punters at our Pro Tips section. SUBSCRIBE NOW!

With Lady Shenandoah’s selection, The Everest field is starting to take shape with six confirmed starters.

Hong Kong superstar Ka Ying Rising (slot-holder Hong Kong Jockey Club), Private Harry (Yulong), Briasa (Max Whitby, Neil Werrett, Col Madden and Steve McCann), Jimmysstar (TAB) and Joliestar (Chris Waller Racing) are already safely in the field.

Waller, who has won The Everest twice with Nature Strip (2021) and Yes Yes Yes (2019), will have at least two starters in next month’s big race next month with Lady Shenandoah joining Joliestar.

One for the ladies! Lady Shenandoah absolutely smashes them in the G2 TAB Light Fingers Stakes and wins with her ears pricked!@ZacLloydx | @cwallerracing | @aus_turf_clubpic.twitter.com/tfZu9PgjlC

— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) February 15, 2025

• ‘This is tough to take’: Injury dashes Headwall’s Everest hopes

Lady Shenandoah, unbeaten in five races last preparation including three at Group 1 level, resumed earlier this month with an outstanding, luckless second to Headwall in the Concorde Stakes.

Her selection for The Everest is a welcome change of fortune for Camilleri who had his top mare Sunshine In Paris ready to race in his slot until she suffered an injury in training. Sunshine In Paris has been retired to stud and was on Sunday served by Coolmore Stud’s boom stallion Wootton Bassett.