The Everest fashion stakes: Style queens dazzle at Royal Randwick

Racing may be the sport of kings but it was the style queens who dazzled at Royal Randwick with racegoers celebrating in their sartorial top-to-toe best. See the pictures.

The TAB Everest at Sydney’s Royal Randwick is not just about the world’s richest race on turf; it’s a spectacle of high fashion and style.

As the gates opened at 10:30 on Saturday morning, sell-out crowds poured in, eager to showcase their race-day looks.

Despite midday showers, the electric atmosphere remained, with attendees sporting vibrant and daring fashion statements.

The day proved once again that fashion is as much a part of the day as the horses.

Whether it was the vibrant hats, the elegant dresses, or the street-style influences, it was clear that attendees were ready to show off their style and enjoy a day where both fashion and racing took centre stage.

Saskia Wotton at the track. Picture: Matrix

Fashion Trends: Bold and Blue

Fashion stylist and race day regular, Elliot Garnaut, shared his insights on the trends to expect.

“The hero colour of the day is blue, but there’s a lot of room for creativity,” he told The Daily Telegraph.

“The Everest Race Day allows for a more contemporary, bold style, mixing traditional elegance with modern flair.”

“Some attendees will mix streetwear elements with their race-day attire, adding an urban twist.

Everest Stakes day at Royal Randwick. L to R, Leah Gocher, Emma McGargill, Arabella Hambour, Adriana Farrac, Ella Johnston and Louise Lander. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

This gears racing fashion to a Gen Z crowd and can be seen more notably in General Admission where you have more creative freedom.”

Garnaut added that sustainability was also playing as a key theme, with many opting for eco-conscious brands or rented outfits.

Socialites and Fashion Lineup

Popular brand choices going round on the big day were Zimmermann, Scanlan Theodore and Camilla and Marc.

Everest Stakes day at Royal Randwick. L to R, Kyam Pappin, Talia Sparks and Tabitha Bostjancic. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

Kate Waterhouse turned heads in a Tony Maticevski dress, paired with Christian Louboutin shoes and a Bon Jewels headpiece.

“I wanted a beautiful silhouette with a spring-fresh feel. The blue in my jewellery tied into the theme perfectly,” the 40-year-old fashion influencer said.

“It’s such an exciting day. I was here even before the gates opened and the buzz in the air is incredible. The moment they opened the doors, there was a flood of people.

Kate Waterhouse attends TAB Everest Day at Royal Randwick Racecourse on October 19, 2024 in Sydney, Australia. Picture: Getty Images

Samantha Armytage. Picture: Matrix

“Today, it’s not just about Group One racing—it’s world-class fashion, too. Everyone has really stepped up their game. People can get involved by uploading their outfits to Fashion Stakes to win prizes, so there’s something for everyone here.

“Whether it’s the hospitality, entertainment, or the sellout crowd, there’s so much excitement—and of course, everyone’s wondering if King Charles will make an appearance.”

Samantha Armytage, former Sunrise host, made a stylish appearance in a Millinery Jill headpiece and a metallic gold Zara dress. Speaking with The Daily Telegraph, she teased at her upcoming move to Channel Nine, “Watch this space—exciting times ahead.” Armytage was just as enthusiastic about the race, saying she “loves a sprint” and will be placing her bet on Stefi Magnetica.

Everest Stakes day at Royal Randwick. L to R, Tim Marsh, Angela Memz and Lloyd Memz. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

Angela Cox, dressed in a stunning aqua ensemble, couldn’t resist showing off her look. “I just want everyone to see how fabulous this (dress) is” she laughed.

Her accessories, including a bold Ford Milk ring, completed the ensemble.

“Today I’m keeping the royal theme going and tipping Lady Camelot.”

Sydney Everest Carnival. Randwick Racecourse. Picture: Chris Huang / Matrix Pictured: Oliva Douglas, Alice Turner, Emma Carmichael

Reality TV star now fashion mogul, Saskia Wotton, wore Bellini shoes and a Manning Cartell dress, and said she loved how everyone brought their own interpretation of the theme. “Some go all out, while others just have a pop of blue. It’s great to see the diversity.”

“I actually love seeing how everyone’s dressed and what people find inspiring, and also seeing what people’s interpretation of a touch of blue is like, some people go all out wearing blue.

Natalija Susnjara. Picture: Matrix

Some people just have a pair of blue shoes, similar to me, which is a blue handbag. I love seeing how people put things together.”

Mark Ferguson and Angela Cox at the races. Picture: Matrix

Milliner, Stacey Hemera Roberts, showed off her own designs in a modern blue hat paired with a bright red Showpo dress, and beautifully mosaiced bag gifted to her by her mother.

“I love seeing all the big hats. It’s what separates race day fashion from everyday looks,”

Racegoers

The fashion excitement wasn’t just for the celebs and members.

General admission attendees embraced the day with equal passion, adding their own spin to the “Touch of Blue” theme.

Tom Ford atEverest Stakes day at Royal Randwick. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

Julieanne Horseman at the Sydney Everest Carnival. Randwick Racecourse. Picture: Chris Huang / Matrix Pictured:

Sporting the unofficial colour of the day, Laura Thornburrow, 19, from Concord, dazzled crowds in a yellow sequined dress from Asta Resort, while her friend Jada Feros, 18, from Cronulla, wowed in a maroon silk gown.

“I wanted something bright and sparkly for the daytime vibes,” Thornburrow said, while Feros added, “I love pairing maroon with gold jewellery—it’s a fun switch from last season’s red.”