The Everest: Racing fans get all dressed up for the world’s richest turf race

The world’s richest turf race, The Everest, has officially kicked off eight weeks of spring racing, with a big win.

Racegoers have showcased a daring new trend, with cut-out dresses perfectly suited for the warm day. Picture: Jason McCawley/Getty Images.

Racegoers at Royal Randwick have celebrated big time as the Everest, the world’s richest turf race officially, kicks off eight weeks of spring racing.

All eyes were on the Everest race which had a record $20m of prize money up for grabs.

Think About It, the race favourite five-year-old gelding ridden by Sam Clipperton, claimed the podium, followed by I Wish I Win and Private Eye in third place.

Minutes after the race, the emotional jockey said he “can’t believe” the result.

“This stuff doesn’t happen,” he told Channel 7.

“It just went too perfect. I guess that’s what very good horses do. Maybe even champions. “They eliminate the opposition.

“I’m just so privileged to be in a position of riding this horse … I’m going to pass out.”

The weather in Sydney was perfect as the event kicked off from 10.30am. Picture: Jason McCawley/Getty Images

Even the men dressed their best. NCA NewsWire / Monique Harmer

Cut-out and summery dresses were a hot crowd favourite. NCA NewsWire / Monique Harmer

Tens of thousands have attended for the official start to Sydney’s spring racing carnival. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Monique Harmer

Crowds began gathering at the gates of the Sydney racecourse from 10am, showing off their best fashion, with organisers saying more than 20,000 people had arrived by 1pm.

A daring new trend has hit the field, with women turning up in cut-out dresses as the mercury hits a warm 29C on Saturday.

Younger attendees shied away from classic race wear, with summer patterns proving popular.

With Sydney providing it’s best weather, punters looked ready for a day in the sun with high heels, strappy dresses and many fascinators.

The event, now in its seventh year, rivals Melbourne’s famous Spring racing carnival in size and popularity.

In Melbourne, it was Caulfield Guineas day, one of the opening days of Victoria’s Spring Carnival.

Punters from across the country focused on Randwick at 4.15pm, when the Everest ran.

Just ahead of the race the odds had narrowed with Think About It in pole position (3.35) followed by I Wish I Win (5.00) and Private Eye (7.75).

How about the CROWD lining up at the gates this morning 😱 #TABEverestpic.twitter.com/UwXVfFheZQ

— Australian Turf Club (@aus_turf_club) October 14, 2023

Running alongside the TAB Everest for the first time is the $5m King Charles III stakes, which offers a replica of the monarch’s own crown.

“It’s the exact replica of the crown,” ­Racing NSW chief executive Peter V’landys said.

“I think it’s actually more expensive than the Crown, the way the jeweller has charged me!”

Revellers ditched style trends for more weather-appropriate wear. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Monique Harmer

The King Charles III Stakes trophy Picture: Jason McCawley/Getty Images.

The Everest trophy. Picture: Jeremy Ng/Getty Images

The trophy was designed by Sydney ­jeweller Nic Cerrone, who created the 8000-diamond studded trophy for The ­Everest and is based very closely on the real thing.

Possibly as important to some attendees, the music line-up of Empire of the Sun and Hot Dub Time Machine are expected to keep crowds rocking all day.

Australian Turf Club spokesman Brett DeVine told The Daily Telegraph the “second to none” racing fixture was shaping up well.

“We’ve had a different focus this year. We’ve been trying to drive young people to this event.

“It’s new, it’s bold, it’s brash, the energy is electric.”

Racegoers at the event wore their finest fascinators. Picture: Jason McCawley/Getty Images

Tyler Schiller riding Land Legend won race one at Randwick. Picture: Jeremy Ng/Getty Images.

Racegoers in some of their finest suits. Picture: Jeremy Ng/Getty Images

The Everest is the world's richest turf race and was increased from $15m last year.

It is now second in prize money to only the $28m Saudi Cup which is run on a dirt track.

Runners for the TAB Everest are allocated using a unique format, in which 12 entities chip in $700,000 to own a slot in the race.

Destiny Griffin, Eleni Vlahos and Ella Gould are having a great time at Randwick. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Monique Harmer

Racegoers showed their enthusiasm for the sport. Picture: Jeremy Ng/Getty Images

Originally published as The Everest: Racing fans get all dressed up for the world’s richest turf race