Sydney is taking its racing rivalry with Melbourne off the track with a new Everest-themed version of Flemington’s Birdcage at Royal Randwick. The exclusive Melbourne Cup carnival enclosure has long been a drawcard for big business and stars of the television, film, music and fashion industries. But having challenged the southern state’s traditional foothold in the spring with the $20 million slot race, The Everest, Sydney plans to give Melbourne a run for its money in rolling out the red carpet. The Peter V’landys-led Racing NSW has struck a deal with the Australian Turf Club, which owns the Randwick course, to set up Base Camp, a $7 million facility inspired by sport VIP hubs at the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix and the Australian Open tennis in Melbourne and LIV Golf in Adelaide.