Sydney's social set stay away to let 40,000 punters flourish at Everest

It might hold the richest horse race on turf accolade, but the Everest has a long way to go when it comes to competing with the style and star-studded guest list of the Melbourne Cup.

Erin Holland at the Everest at Royal Randwick Racecourse on Saturday.Credit: Dominic Lorrimer

Generally known as a punters' day out, the social set mainly stayed away from a wet and dreary day at Royal Randwick, which drew a crowd of 40,578 (up from 33,512 last year).

The public furore over the controversial decision to advertise the race on the Sydney Opera House sails earlier this week might have also deemed it off-brand for some of Sydney's most image-conscious.

The Star's ballroom and the Harrolds marquee were the two main places to be and be seen with the casino's ambassadors Jennifer Hawkins, Ian Thorpe and Emma Freedman heading up the former, while Edwina McCann, editor-in-chief of Vogue Australia, hosted the latter.

Jennifer Hawkins at The Star's ballroom at the Everest.Credit: AAP

"Melbourne has dominated the racing scene for some time but Everest has really put Sydney on the map and people have risen to the occasion today, fashion-wise," McCann told Fairfax Media.

"Give it a chance [when it comes to the guest list], next year it will be even bigger and better."

The backlash to Racing NSW projections on the World Heritage listed building on Tuesday evening as well as the 60 or so chanting animal rights protesters that greeted attendees at the main gates on Saturday, felt like a bit of an elephant in the corner.

But McCann had a similar stance to that of 2GB broadcaster Alan Jones in that the Everest race benefits the economy of NSW.

Ian Thorpe and boyfriend Ryan Channing at The Star's Everest event.Credit: Dominic Lorrimer

"Personally, I didn't think [it was bad] at all," the fashion doyenne said. "It is a really great opportunity for Sydney, for our retail, and for our fashion brands and that's my job to work for them. It has boosted spending and fashion sales."

However, it's not a sentiment shared by Olympic gold medallist Ian Thorpe, who was in attendance with his partner, Ryan Channing.

"I am of the opinion that our cultural landmarks should remain that way," Thorpe said.

"We probably did not need to put a logo there, working with the City of Sydney I am sure they can come up with another solution, but I am actually against having advertising on the Opera House ... I don't think they will do it again."

Edwina McCann hosted the Harrolds marquee at the Everest.Credit: Dominic Lorrimer

Unsurprisingly, Jen Hawkins, who recently retired as Myer ambassador after 12 years, had no opinion on the matter.

"It's not really for me to comment on," she said.

Aside from the debate, Thorpe planned to place a bet, relying on his friend, Emma Freedman, daughter of five-time Melbourne Cup winning thoroughbred horse trainer Lee Freedman, giving him the "best tips".

Liam Payne at the Everest.Credit: AAP

"Jennifer, not so much," Thorpe laughed, "but Emma has them all."

Liam Payne helped to add some much needed star-power to the big day.

The former One Direction boy-bander hit the stage at for a 45-minute set post-race, singing songs from his new EP, First Time.