10,000 vaccinated racegoers allowed at all Spring Carnival races

Crowd numbers have been lifted for the Spring Racing Carnival, with 10,000 punters allowed at each meet — starting with the world’s richest race, the Everest, today.

Bumper crowds will be able to gather for the rest of the Spring Carnival, with capacity increased to 10,000 vaccinated racegoers.

The NSW government has lifted the limit for events, ­including the Golden Eagle at Rosehill and Melbourne Cup Day at Randwick, in line with the doubled crowd number for Saturday’s Everest at Royal Randwick — dubbed “the race that stops hibernation”.

The crowd at TAB Everest race day at Royal Randwick Racecourse in 2018. Picture: AAP

“The people of NSW have done an incredible job rolling up their sleeves and getting vaccinated, allowing us to welcome more people back to iconic events and get our economy firing again,” Better Reg­u­lation and Innovation Min­ister Kevin Anderson said.

Staff will check patrons’ vaccination status, and there will be enhanced safety measures across the Racing NSW venues.

Racing NSW chairman Russell Balding AO said: “During our Spring Carnival we are able to celebrate the gradual return to normality that ­includes a day out at the races that is such a part of the Australian social fabric.”

Australian Turf Club chairman Matthew McGrath said he was “thrilled” at the prospect of more people gathered trackside at Randwick on Saturday for the Everest and October 30 for the Golden Eagle.

“Sydney and our racing is back open for business during the $50 million Everest Carnival, and for a race and event being watched around the world,” he said.

Trainer Les Bridge with Everest runner Classique Legend. Picture: Supplied

Sydney racing is thriving and is now home to the richest and third-richest turf races in the world, thanks to The Everest and Golden Eagle.

The Everest now has the second-highest wagering turnover, just behind the Melbourne Cup.

Australian Turf Club executive general manager racing and wagering James Ross said the TAB Everest had ­established itself as the world’s best sprint race.

“The TAB Everest features the world’s best sprinters and this year’s field has amassed over $35 million in prizemoney between them, and is undoubtedly the flagship race in Sydney’s growing Spring and $50 million Everest Carnival,’’ Mr Ross said.

As Sydney continues to bask in the glories of an unlocked life, celebrities, media personalities and sportspeople, including former champion jockey Corey Brown and Seven identities Mel Mc­Laughlin, Samantha Arm­ytage and Sonia Kruger, will be ­trackside.

BEST FASHION FOOT FORWARD

Emma Freedman is delighted to ditch the daggy activewear and put on a dress for the world’s richest race on turf, the $15 million TAB Everest at Royal Randwick, on Saturday.

However, she said she could not promise 15cm heels would be part of her ensemble after four months in nothing but trainers.

Emma Freedman (left) and Katelyn Mallyon are ready to dress up for a great day at the races. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

She will join 10,000 others at what has become Australia’s second-biggest punting race, behind the Melbourne Cup.

And it will be a hugely anticipated day, the first major social event to take place since lockdown lifted.

“I think people are going to go all out when it comes to fashion,” Freedman said.

“I’m so sick of activewear that I’ll be putting my best fashion foot forward.

“I expect everyone will be doing the same. I hope to see some seriously outrageous takes on racewear.

“I think the vibe will be incredible. People deserve a celebration like The Everest will provide.

“It will be not only a celebration of our new freedoms but also the best sprinters in the world.”

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