A star-studded guest list converged on Centennial Parklands this afternoon for the official launch of Australia’s premier autumn racing event – The BMW Sydney Carnival – hosted by sports commentator Bruce McEvaney.
An entourage of fashionistas, celebrities, politicians and racing identities donned their finest frocks and most dapper suits to kick off the excitement for this autumn’s Carnival which commences next Saturday (23 March) with Cellarbrations Ladies’ Day at Rosehill Gardens.
The Carnival runs over six consecutive Saturdays at Rosehill Gardens and Royal Randwick, with more than $20m in prize money on offer – including $7.5m on Australia’s richest day of racing, Tooheys New Golden Slipper Day.
One of the many highlights of this year’s celebration will be M.J. Bale Rosehill Guineas Day which will fall on Sydney’s most traditional day of racing, Easter Saturday.
After three weeks of racing action at Rosehill Gardens, all eyes will turn to the newly renovated Royal Randwick; its world-class Theatre of the Horse will be unveiled to the public on David Jones Australian Derby Day (13 April). The day has also been most spoken about with anticipation that the world’s greatest mare, Black Caviar will contest the $1m Darley T.J. Stakes on the Derby Day program.
A long-term partner of Royal Randwick, David Jones treated guests at today’s launch to an exclusive preview of the best of autumn racing fashion. Brand ambassadors, Samantha Harris and Louise Van Der Vorst, featured in the fashion show which captured the current season trends that will be most popular on the racetrack this autumn.
Australian Turf Club CEO, Darren Pearce said he was honoured to join the NSW Premier, Barry O’Farrell, NSW Racing Minister, George Souris and a host of Sydney’s racing identities in welcoming the start of another BMW Sydney Carnival.
“We are thrilled to once again bring Sydney to the centre stage with The BMW Sydney Carnival,” Mr Pearce said.
“This is one of Australia’s premier sporting events which delivers so much to the local economy and returns more than $20m to the racing industry.
“This year we are buoyed by our upcoming preview of the new Royal Randwick, and with a world-class facility like the Theatre of the Horse set to open in April, we can share in the excitement of a rapid elevation in the race day experience for everyone who visits the racecourse.”
Racegoers looking to attend the days at Royal Randwick and to preview the new facility have been advised to book in early, with a reduced number of tickets on sale while the $150m redevelopment of the site is completed.
The Carnival begins on Saturday 23 March at Rosehill Gardens with Cellarbrations Ladies Day, followed by M.J Bale Rosehill Guineas Day and finally Sydney’s racing event of the year, Tooheys New Golden Slipper Day, before moving on to Royal Randwick for the ultra-fashionable David Jones Australian Derby Day, Sydney’s punters day – BMW Doncaster Day, and the Carnival finale, Schweppes Sydney Cup Day on 27 April.
For all you need to know about the Carnival, visit www.theraces.com.au
Source : Australian Turf Club
