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The Australian Turf Club-today officially launched the 2017 Sydney Carnival, a six week program of world-class racing entertainment from 11 March to 15 April 2017 at Rosehill Gardens and Royal Randwick.
Some of Australia’s most respected racing figures were in attendance as sport and style came together for the unveiling of the 2017 racing and celebrity ambassador line-up.
Sydney’s champion trainer Chris Waller, Australia’s first lady of racing, trainer Gai Waterhouse, NSW leading Provincial trainer Kris Lees, and champion jockey Hugh Bowman joined the event to celebrate the launch of Sydney’s signature racing season.Australian actress and AACTA Award winner, Elizabeth Debicki, actor and member of Swing On This, Ben Mingay, 800 Words star, Melina Vidler, model Montana Cox, Ginger & Smart designers, Alexandra and Genevieve Smart and radio hosts, Ryan Fitzgerald and Michael Wipfli were named as Sydney Carnival ambassadors for 2017.
Also joining celebrations ahead of the 2017 Sydney Carnival were some of Sydney’s most iconic chefs and food providores representing Sydney racing’s popular precinct, Little Sydney; Victor Churchill’s Anthony Puharich, Mark Axisa from Catalina, Frank Shek from China Doll and James Viles for Biota and James Boag.Australian Turf Club Chief Executive Officer Darren Pearce said; “The Sydney Carnival provides world-class thoroughbred racing and entertainment over six weeks at Rosehill Gardens and Royal Randwick, boasting 18 Group 1 events amongst 48 Black Type races worth more than $33 million in prizemoney.
“We are excited at the prospect of seeing an equine superstar in the mighty mare Winx, who just last Saturday recorded a remarkable 15th straight win to surpass the legendary Phar Lap’s longest streak.“A day at the track is one of Australia’s great traditions with all of the colour and adrenaline of raceday, whilst having fun with family and friends in front of the mighty and majestic thoroughbred.
“This is the year we also celebrate an exciting milestone with the 25th anniversary of Royal Randwick officially becoming a ‘royal’ racecourse, as endorsed by Queen Elizabeth ll.“Royal Randwick is an international landmark and is home to some of the best racing in the world, and we are looking forward to celebrating the milestone and showcasing what the venue has to offer over the Sydney Carnival."
The 2017 Sydney Carnival will feature a series of food, fashion and entertainment offerings to support the quality racing fixtures.Punters are encouraged to wear a touch of royal blue to support Winx on that day in what will be her final race for the autumn season.
Returning for the fourth year, Little Sydney will be welcomed to Royal Randwick over the two days of The Championships (1 & 8 April) offering food lovers a unique culinary trackside experience. The 2017 renewal will see new restaurants Victor Churchill and Catalina join China Doll on course.Synonymous with racing, fashion will again be showcased with the return of The Fashion Chute presented by TheRaces.com.au. On course for four days over the Sydney Carnival, fashion forward racegoers are invited to enter the competition via a photo activation at The Chute with eight preliminary finalists chosen each day to contest the finals at The Championships Day 2 Longines Queen Elizabeth Stakes Day at Royal Randwick.
This year, the Australian Turf Club has a Golden Carnival Pass ticketing offer giving racegoers access to all six 2017 Sydney Carnival days for $30. All pre-purchased tickets will include integrated rail to both Rosehill Gardens and Royal Randwick. Integrated buses to the city and Bondi will also be included in the cost of a ticket.
