SYDNEY, Oct 19, 2024 (BSS/AFP) - Australian mare Bella Nipotina, ridden by Craig Williams, outgunned fast-finishing Giga Kick to cross the line first in the world's richest turf race, The Everest, in Sydney on Saturday.

The Ciaron Maher-trained seven-year-old stormed through the field in the final 100 metres at Royal Randwick to collect a whopping Aus$7.0 million (US$4.7 million) for barely a one-minute dash.

Giga Kick, the 2022 champion, with Mark Zahra in the saddle, came second ahead of Growing Empire ridden by Kerrin McEvoy and also trained by Maher.

Traffic Warden was a late scratching from the 12-horse race after becoming fractious in the starting gates.