The Australian Turf Club officially launched the 2014 Sydney Spring Carnival today in the Owners Pavilion overlooking the Theatre of the Horse at Royal Randwick racecourse amongst a spring themed backdrop of racing and social stars.
Spring in Sydney is synonymous with racing at Royal Randwick and Rosehill Gardens and the best of Australian racing will be on display during Sydney’s six-week carnival.
The carnival also marks the first anniversary of the Queen Elizabeth II Grandstand and will continue to build on the growing resurgence and passion for racing that has swept Sydney over the past year.
The 2014 Spring Carnival ambassador family including Rachael Finch, Kyly Clarke, Jodi and Braith Anasta, Fitzy & Wippa and Ricki-Lee were joined by racing personalities including Gai Waterhouse for the launch, which was capped off with a spectacular lunch hosted by Australian Turf Club CEO Darren Pearce and ATC Executive General Manager Commercial and Sales Tony Partridge at The Stables, on level four of the Queen Elizabeth II Grandstand.
The Sydney Spring Carnival kicks off on 13 September with De Bortoli Wines Golden Rose Day at Rosehill Gardens, featuring the first Group 1 race of the Sydney Spring thoroughbred racing season, the $1 million De Bortoli Wines Golden Rose.
The spotlight will continue to shine on Sydney from 13 September to 18 October as the best horses, jockeys and trainers converge on Sydney for major races at Rosehill Gardens and Royal Randwick, along with unsurpassable fashion, hospitality and entertainment over a series of must-attend events this racing season.
Australian Turf Club CEO Darren Pearce says: “We look forward to welcoming some of the biggest names in Australasian racing to our world-class racecourses at Royal Randwick and Rosehill Gardens over the Sydney Spring Carnival, for what promises to be a sporting and social spectacular.”
De Bortoli Wines Golden Rose Day at Rosehill Gardens, 13 September, traditionally a day out for the lads, now also celebrates the ladies. Roving musicians and the Emeri Pamper Lounge will provide a perfect Carnival backdrop for Sydney’s best dressed women to compete in the Style Stakes competition, supported by The Sunday Telegraph’s Sunday Style, with a $15,000 prize pool. Radio stars Fitzy & Wippa will be hosting a VIP party trackside – ‘Get Racy with Fitzy & Wippa’ for Nova listeners and celebrities, boasting hospitality, a DJ, interactive games and a series of challenges set by Fitzy & Wippa throughout the day.
Most importantly, the day marks the first serious day of racing for the Sydney Spring Carnival. The De Bortoli Wines Golden Rose is the feature Group 1 for three year olds, with several of the leading 2 year olds from last season, including Tooheys New Golden Slipper runners, taking on the emerging youngsters aiming their early Spring campaign at the $1 million race.
George Main Stakes Day at Royal Randwick, 20 September, marks the first day of the Sydney Spring Carnival at Royal Randwick. Sydney’s world-class venue for the harbour city will bask in the Spring atmosphere with a day that boasts the Group 1 George Main Stakes (worth $350,000) and a host of Group 2 and Group 3 races, making it a popular day for punters. For the fillies on course, Clinique launches its Spring pamper sessions with the Clinique pamper lounge.
PJ’s Irish Pub Golden Pendant Day at Rosehill Gardens, 27 September, sees Western Sydney’s famous track share its day with the AFL Grand Final, making it the ultimate sporting day out. The day features the $300,000 Group 3 PJ’s Irish Pub Golden Pendant and will be complemented by a number of activities for the lads on course, whilst ladies are invited to attend a special Ladies Long Lunch.
The Star Epsom Day at Royal Randwick, 4 October, is Sydney’s highlight race day for the Sydney Spring Carnival, showcasing three Group 1 races, The Star Epsom Handicap ($500,000), McGrath Estate Agents Metropolitan ($400,000) and Coolmore Flight Stakes ($400,000). Sydney’s social set will be seen at one of the many glamorous hospitality marquees that will grace Royal Randwick on this premier carnival day.
Hot on the heels of The Star Epsom is the glamour day of the carnival, Moët & Chandon Spring Champion Stakes Day, 11 October at Royal Randwick. The day promises a schedule full of fashion, fun and famous faces featuring the Group 1 Moët & Chandon Spring Champion Stakes. The day will also host the hotly contested New South Wales State Final for the Myer Fashions on the Field, supported by Vogue Australia, with a $100,000 prize pool and the winner receiving flights from Emirates along with entry to the Australian national final to be held at Flemington, on Oaks Day.
Sydney Spring Carnival will wrap up with the ultimate party day – City Tattersalls Club Cup Day on 18 October at Royal Randwick. It marks the official first birthday celebration of the Queen Elizabeth II Grandstand and will feature birthday festivities for all racegoers, including an exclusive performance by Australia’s leading song diva, Ricki-Lee Coulter. Coinciding with Melbourne’s Caulfield Cup, a host of entertainment and pop up bars will celebrate the end of the Sydney Spring Carnival as the baton is passed to Melbourne.
