The TAB Everest at Royal Randwick: Punters flock from interstate for $20m Group One race
After the $20 million TAB Everest took the title of ‘richest race in Australia’, it can now be revealed NSW is also enticing punters in droves from its rival racing state of Victoria.
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Australia’s racing scene’s ‘State of Origin’ battle has ignited once more.
After the $20 million TAB Everest took the title of ‘richest race in Australia’, it can now be revealed NSW is also enticing punters in droves from its rival racing state of Victoria.
One in every four punters set to be trackside at Royal Randwick Racecourse for the richest race of turf will be travelling from Victoria – ditching the Caulfield Cup next Saturday for Sydney’s TAB Everest Carnival.
As Sydney gears up for its biggest day on the Spring Racing calendar, new data from the Australia Turf Club confirms a major spike in general admission ticket holders – rising 36 per cent on last year’s numbers.
ATC Head of Commercial Donna Forbes revealed to The Saturday Telegraph sales data shows a massive 29 per cent of ticketholders will travel interstate, with the majority hitting the road from Victoria to be “trackside for the newest Group One race in the country”.
More than 40,000 people are expected to witness the world’s best sprinters coming together for the $20 million Group One TAB Everest, and the Group One $5 million King Charles III Stakes over 1600m.
But before punters race to their trackside positions next Saturday, many will have the opportunity to strut their stuff at exclusive events throughout Everest week.
On Monday, the ladies will take centre stage at the TAB Everest Women’s Breakfast, in partnership with Vogue, before the Barrier Draw is called on Tuesday Night.
On Thursday night, The Everest Gala Dinner will take place before the Business Sydney Luncheon is held on Friday.
The real wives of Sydney’s racing scene are preparing for their most glamorous week of the year, as they gear up to watch their partners race in the TAB Everest Carnival.
But Hannah Schofield and Sheridan Paine, the wives of Chad Schofield and Regan Bayliss, said their lifestyle is completely different to the “average high-profile sportsmen wife”.
“The boys often have to cut weight, so it’s not like we’re going for lavish lunches and dinners all the time,” Mrs Schofield told The Saturday Telegraph.
“(Chad) really has to watch what he eats and go hard at the gym and the sauna.
“I guess my role as a jockey’s wife is making sure there’s not too many tempting snacks in the house
“However, I’m sure it’s just as much of a thrill being able to be trackside watching them win races on a big race day. It must be the same feeling other wives of sports stars get watching their partners win a big game.”
Married to jockey Chad Schofield since 2019 and practically a race day fashion veteran, Schofield said it’s important to have staple wardrobe pieces that can be worn multiple times in different ways.
“I think racing is such a special industry in the fashion world, because some pieces are timeless, so that’s what I love about my wardrobe,” she said. “Sometimes I’ll rework things in a way that I wore years ago, especially the bigger days, the bolder the better.
“It’s always a big job trying to find an outfit for the races, but it’s fun. It’s half the fun of it all.”
Meanwhile, model, presenter and the daughter of racing royalty, Kate Waterhouse, told The Saturday Telegraph her most important piece of advice for first-time racegoers was a simple one – avoid wearing brand new shoes.
“There is something for everyone at a race day, whether you’re into fashion, into racing, or just hanging out with friends, it is such a fantastic day out,” she said. “And when it comes to fashion you will feel confident if you feel comfortable.
“So make sure you don’t wear brand new shoes.
“Wear something that you’re you feel comfortable in because it’s a long day, but it’s a great opportunity to get dressed up and then have a glass of champagne with your friends.”
The fashion and lifestyle journalist said The TAB Everest was “my favourite time of year”.
“There are so many amazing Group One listed races,” she said. “There’s so much action on the track, from the racing to the fashion – there’s just so much going on.
“There is something for everyone.”
She said the races brought the opportunity to take catwalk trends and “transform them” into race wear.
The fashion experts at Carla Zampatti said staples from their Spring Racing collection were “perfect” for The Everest Carnival.
“Bold, tailored suits with cinched waists are a standout, combining feminine power with classic tailoring,” brand marketing manager Bryony Kent said. “These strong shapes are paired
with exaggerated shoulders or wide-leg trousers, creating a dynamic yet polished look.
“When it comes to colour, 2024 embraces classically elegant tones. A medley of blues, subtle
ivory, rich tourmaline and classic black form the seasons main colour blocks.”
The richest race on turf will see jockeys and horses from across the country – and the globe – descending on Royal Randwick next weekend. with interstate jockeys Luke Nolen riding I Wish I Win, Jamie Kah on Traffic Warden, Mark Zahra riding Giga Kick and Craig Williams on Bella Nipotina, all travelling from Melbourne for the carnival.
Meanwhile, Brenton Avdulla, formerly a Sydney jockey now riding in Hong Kong, is on standby for the Storm Boy ride.
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