The thunder of thoroughbreds, the roaring crowd. The earthy scent of fresh turf, the crisp fizz of bubbly. And everywhere you look, bold colours and effortless glamour. Spring racing dazzles every sense and, whether you’re enjoying the Sydney Everest Carnival at Royal Randwick and Rosehill Gardens, or cheering trackside at Warwick Farm, these experiences up the ante on race day and beyond.
Saddle up for iconic events
Sydney is buzzing with feelgood energy as a jam-packed calendar of events brings the buzz, and the Everest Carnival is in full swing. And Royal Randwick – the proud heart of Sydney racing since 1833 – is hosting standout events to year’s end, including the Moet Chandon Spring Champion Stakes Day (22 October), the $2 million Big Dance (1 November), and the Royal Randwick Christmas Festival (2 December). The good times roll on at Rosehill Gardens, with Golden Eagle Day (29 October), and the elegant Five Diamonds Ladies Day (5 November) upping the glam factor. Plus, at nearby Warwick Farm, there’s live racing on 23 Wednesdays all year round. Giddy up!
Find your own fashions on the field
The style stakes are high on race day, with prizes awarded to the best-dressed fashionistas. Whether you’re hunting for a showstopping designer headpiece or glamming up from top to toe, Sydney’s boutiques offer everything from festive frocks to bespoke menswear. In the city centre, visit the Strand Arcade, Queen Victoria Building and The Galeries for leading labels and vintage accessories, or check out Pitt Street Mall’s 600 specialty stores. Nearby, the Paddington Intersection is a sartorial mecca where Australian designers showcase their artistry, while Newtown’s King Street offers a treasure trove of colourful boutiques. Ready for your photo finish? Pony up for a professional stylist who’ll help you create the perfect race day ensemble.
Score the sunset quinella
As the sun sinks down on your day at the races, move on to a chic bar for a winning quinella of standout sips and inspiring vistas. Close to Randwick, the Coogee Pavilion Rooftop, Royal Hotel Paddington and Brigade Bar all offer stunning sunset viewpoints and tasty tipples. Nearer to Rosehill Gardens and Warwick Farm, Nick & Nora’s has jaw-dropping 26th-floor panoramas and innovative cocktails. Kicking on in the city? Both CIRQ and Zephyr boast grand twilight views over Sydney Harbour and impressive Champagne lists starring Krug, Moet Chandon, Cristal and Veuve Clicquot.
Feast like a winner
Feeling peckish after all that race day adrenaline? Thankfully there’s fine-dining within easy reach. In fact, you don’t need to leave Royal Randwick for a delicious three-course menu crafted by Executive Chef George Mullen at the Grandview Restaurant – and the tables have racetrack vistas. Nearby at Mimi’s, savour new memories with your crew during an elegant private dining experience. Or, venture into the heart of Sydney for sophisticated eats in landmark restaurants like Abode, famous for its five-course degustation; and Infinity, where there’s revolving city views from 81 stories up, and local delicacies like East 33 Sydney Rock Oysters and Hawkesbury Duck Breast.
Hit the hay in style
Sydney’s boutique hotels keep you close to all the trackside fun, in stylish comfort. Moments from Royal Randwick in trendy Paddington, the ultra-cool Oxford House offers tastefully understated suites and a laidback bar with live DJs. Beside the harbour, Ovolo Woolloomooloo pairs contemporary design with luxurious, heritage accents – just a stroll from the Opera House and Potts Point’s lively bar scene. Heading trackside in Western Sydney? Stay at Parramatta’s Park Royal or SKYE Suites – both plush options within easy reach of Rosehill Gardens – or at Warrick Farm’s luxe, horse-themed William Inglis Hotel, just five minutes’ walk from the historic racecourse.
