The Everest: Fillies flock to party at the races

The plans of Racing NSW supremo Peter V’landys to attract a younger - and more female - crowd to the races is clearly working, with women snapping up more than half of the tickets sold so far for the Everest Carnival.

The plans of Racing NSW supremo Peter V’landys to attract a younger - and more female - crowd to the races is clearly working, with women snapping up more than half of the tickets sold so far for the Everest Carnival.

Data reveals as many as 40,000 spectators will be vying for a trackside position at the Everest at Royal Randwick Racecourse on October 19, as the glitz and glamour woos a younger crowd.

With new food options and music performances, Australian Turf Club commercial boss Donna Forbes said it was no surprise there had been an increase in the number of younger racegoers set to flock to the track this year.

Ms Forbes said first-time Everest racegoers should expect an “exhilarating day of racing, dining experiences and live entertainment”.

“We are seeing an impressive trends in general admission ticket sales from a younger demographic, with over 50 per cent of general admission attendees aged 18-34,” Ms Forbes said.

Data reveals as many as 40,000 spectators will be vying for a trackside position at the Everest. Picture: NewsWire / Jeremy Piper

More than half of all tickets snapped up for the centrepiece of Sydney’s racing carnival have been by women, while the ATC has also seen a rise of 74 per cent of tickets bought by big groups of punters planning a day at the races with friends.

General admission sales have jumped 30 per cent year on year, while the number of female GA tickets purchased is up by 10 per cent year on year.

Groups are also set to benefit from reduced ticket prices of $35 per person, when booked as a part of 10 racegoers or more.

“We’re thrilled with the Sydney Everest Carnival’s strong start and the year-on-year growth, particularly given the current economic environment,” Ms Forbes said.

“The turnout reflects our commitment to evolving the race day experience and delivering outstanding value, especially for younger audiences looking for both memorable and affordable experiences.”

The 2024 Sydney Everest Carnival spans nine weeks. Picture: NewsWire / Jeremy Piper

The TAB Everest will include Yum Cha in the Winx Stand and bars.

Tickets remain for hospitality section the Botanic by the Theatre of Horse and trackside party destination Carnivàle.

The $750 Botanic ticket includes daylong food and private bar inside a trackside marquee and outdoor garden.

Ms Forbes said the addition of The Peacock Lounge in the Winx Stand, where access is included in all general admission ticket purchases, had also sparked interest from younger crowds.

“The 2024 Sydney Everest Carnival spans nine weeks, featuring 29 group and listed races across Royal Randwick and Rosehill Gardens, with a staggering $87 million in prize money, including the world’s richest race on turf: the $20 million TAB Everest,” she said.

Crowds at the Everest should also expect to keep the party going after the final race of the day with performances from international artists Joel Corry and Teddy Cream at the After the Last concert series, which returns to the Theatre of the Horse.

The carnival starts on Saturday with Epsom Day.