What to expect at this year’s Sydney Everest Carnival

The countdown is on for the October 14 event at Royal Randwick with a massive $20m prize pool.

A world-renowned racetrack with the best thoroughbred sprinters and a massive $20m prize pool – welcome back to the TAB Everest.

In the countdown to the event over 1600m at Royal Randwick on October 14, it’s become apparent that motivations to attend have shifted beyond the racing element.

Angela Belle McSweeney, Australian Turf Club director, says the establishment has seen a surge in attendance as a result of entertainment, live music and hospitality offerings.

“There has also been an increase in group bookings and people purchasing tickets collectively. This has resulted in an overall ‘better day out’ for racegoers and racedays becoming group traditions, which is a really exciting shift,” she says.

The King Charles III Stakes – formerly known as the George Main Stakes – has moved from its traditional September timeslot to join the Everest Day race card.

With $5m in prizemoney, it’s the world’s richest weight-for-age race and has been won eight times by horse trainer Chris Waller.

Horse trainer Chris Waller. Picture: Jeremy Ng/Getty Images.

“It’s been an iconic race in Sydney, and it’s now gone to a new level – new name, new prizemoney and a new slot in the calendar,” Waller says. “To win is going to be a big deal.”

It wouldn’t be an Everest Carnival without glamorous new features.

Skilled stylists await racegoers at the new Pamper Pavilion to perfect hair and makeup, while talented fashion illustrators stand ready to sketch their raceday looks.

Punters can guarantee themselves a seat trackside, regardless of when they show up, at James Squire Trackside Reserve.

The Botanic by Chandon Garden Spritz offers a garden party ambience with food curated for day-long grazing and a private bar. Near the winning post is the Moet & Chandon Champagne Manor, with unreserved seating, and access to trackside lawn and the manor within the estate.

TV sports host and model Erin Holland will be attending TAB Everest Day and The Big Dance Day in the midst of her busy work schedule.

“My Channel 7 ‘Summer of Cricket’ has just gotten under way, plus I have several overseas presenting jobs coming up in Abu Dhabi, Sri Lanka and India,” she says.

Sports host and model Erin Holland has many fond memories of The Everest. Picture: Mick Bruzzese

“I have many fond memories of Everest Day, including performing the national anthem before the big race in 2018. I was decked out in a custom pink diamond headpiece worth $1m, complete with my own bodyguard. Add in the fact that mother nature brought torrential rains that almost dramatically cancelled the race, seeing the epic Redzel win back-to-back Everests was the most exciting day.”

Holland says no spring racing wardrobe is complete without over-the-top headwear.

“Whether it be indulging in a crazy oversized statement hat, a simple headband or ribbon in the hair, a fascinator, netting that covers part of the face – there are many ways to play with trackside style,” she says.

“I encourage everyone to embrace what sets racewear apart and try things they wouldn’t usually try. Australian designers such as Carla Zampatti, Rebecca Vallance, By Johnny, Elliatt and Manning Cartell are doing some incredible work at the moment.”

Stylist to the stars, Donny Galella. Picture: Flavio Brancaleone

Sydney fashion stylist and Randwick resident Donny Galella says this season’s brights run the gamut from lilac and lime to sunshine yellow and hues of blue and pink.

Other key trends are two-piece suits and details such as ruffles, rosettes, tassels, bows and gloves. Soft layered tulle, feathers and trims deliver a more feminine look.

For the men, spring is all about burnt orange, khaki, brown, plum, pastel blue and the double-breasted suit.

“We’re also seeing a move towards slightly more relaxed fits versus super skinny or slim cut suits,” Galella says.

He suggests doing your research prior and establishing what the dress code is.

“Always overdress rather than underdress,” Galella says. “It’s the races, it’s fun, it’s a time to dress up and have a great time trackside.”

Everest Day schedule

10am: Members’ gates

10.30am: Public gates

12.30pm: First race

6.10pm: Last race

6.20pm: After the last

Fashion inspiration: a touch of blue

Royal Randwick raceday calendar

The Everest (October 14)

Kensington Midweek (October 18, 25 and November 1)

Spring Wild Card Day (October 21)

Moet & Chandon Spring Champion Stakes Day (October 28)

The Big Dance on Cup Day (November 7)

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