The world’s richest turf horse race, The Everest, returns to Sydney this weekend.

The lead up has been surrounded by controversy but Saturday at Royal Randwick will be show time.

A heavy track is expected for the $13-million feature race.

Trainer Kris Lees tells Ray Hadley he’s confident a wet track won’t throw off his trio of runners, Le Romain, Graff and In Her Time.

Click PLAY below to hear the full chat

Alan Jones speaks with Chris Ward, Triple Crown Syndication manager and one of 17 owners of last year’s The Everest winner, Redzel.

Chris tells Alan how the champion gelding is tracking ahead of his title defence.

Click PLAY below to hear the full interview 

New on The Everest lineup is The Kosciuszko worth $1.3 million, launched with Ray Hadley earlier in the year.

Racing NSW sold raffle tickets to the public, with 12 lucky punters winning a slot each in the race.

The winners then got to pick a NSW country-trained horse they wanted to race on their behalf.

One of those punters Jason Seach from Wagga, who tells Alan Jones he bought $150 worth of tickets and “it’s turned into a bonza!”.

If his horse wins, it could see him walk away with $150,000.

Click PLAY below for the full interview

NOTE: Racing NSW and The Everest is an advertiser with 2GB