Can Sydney’s Randwick really be rivalling Melbourne’s Flemington for A-listers?

The Championships at Randwick could be starting to rival the Flemington Birdcage for A-listers, with model Pia Whitesell leading the race to Sydney.

Pia Whitesell ahead of Longines Queen Elizabeth Stakes Day at Randwick racecourse. Picture: John Feder

It’s the dirty little secret that Melbourne’s racing royals aren’t allowed to talk about.

While Flemington in November is the pinnacle for many, the party in Sydney is quickly becoming an Easter tradition.

The Championships at Randwick are rivalling the Birdcage for A-listers and there will be plenty soaking up the Sydney sun on Saturday led by former Melburnian, model Pia Whitesell.

Whitesell, who was named the Longines Queen Elizabath Stakes Day ambassador flew into her Australian hometown via private jet o attend the event with her multi millionaire husband.

Patrick Whitesell is considered one of Hollywood’s top movers and shakers as the executive chairman at Endeavour, the parent company of William Morris Endeavor, one of the largest talent agencies in the world.

They attended the Grand Prix in Melbourne last weekend and spent time with family in Pia’s former Melbourne hometown before travelling to Sydney for Saturday’s racing festivities at Randwick Racecourse.

“I’ve always been so fond of racing,” said Whitesell who used be a regular inside Flemington’s Birdcage.

“The event has always graced the sporting calendar with sophistication and opulence and as much as I love LA, I’ve missed the Australian flair that exudes the very best of fashion., hospitality and racing.”

She will sipping champagne at the Longines marquee alongside Olympian Peter Bol who is fresh from filming SAS Australia on Channel 7. Racing royals Saskia and Nick Williams are also trotting up to the Harbour City, as is business tycoon and prominent horse owner Mark Casey. Giddy up!