Popping 10,000 champagne corks just the start of a $100 million economic boost from The Everest

The popping of 10,000 champagne corks on race days across The Everest carnival celebrates the $100 million economic benefit it pumps into the NSW economy.

The popping of 10,000 champagne corks on race days across The Everest carnival celebrates the $100 million economic benefit it pumps into the NSW economy.

Racing Minister David Harris said The Everest helps turbocharge the economy with visitors spending in hotels, dress shops and restaurants that together supports more than 2000 full and part-time jobs.

“This spectacular event brings together trainers, jockeys, and racegoers from regional and rural communities across the country to compete and celebrate a responsible, sustainable and competitive racing industry with high standards of animal welfare,” Mr Harris said.

“The Minns Government is committed to hosting even more world-class events like the Everest in Sydney to boost our tourism industry and boost our visitor economy.”

Mr Harris said The Tab Everest was putting NSW racing onto the world stage with it being beamed onto TV screens in 68 countries.

Alix Vanny and Connor Norris love dressing up for The Everest race day. Picture: Julian Andrews

“As well as being a vibrant part of the state’s social fabric, racing makes a significant contribution to the NSW economy. It is a $3.3 billion industry with more than 90,000 involved as employees, participants or volunteers,” he said.

The Australian Turf Club said racing contributes $9.15 billion to the Australian economy with the one million race day and non race day attendees spending $90 million on goods and services on NSW race tracks.

Business Sydney executive director Paul Nicolaou said the “unparalleled exuberance” of The Everest focused the eyes of the world on Sydney for the entire carnival.

“Sydney Everest Carnival is expected to generate in excess of $100 million in economic benefit for NSW across accommodation, retail, hospitality, fashion, grooming, food, and beverage and supports more than 2,000 full and part-time jobs,” Mr Ncolaou said.

“Only Sydney could host an event with the spirit, excitement and pure panache of the TAB Everest.”

The Everest has been a massive windfall for the state. (Photo by Mark Evans/Getty Images)

A modern day record of up to 50,000 people, predominantly under the age of 35, are expected to don their finery and attend Royal Randwick on Saturday.

At The Everest and over the days of the spring carnival the racegoers on track will slurp 350 dozen hand-shucked oysters, chomp 5000 meat pies and quaff 200,000 beers, wines and Breezers.

Primary schoolteacher Alix Vanny, 32, has been to The Tab Everest every year since it began and always buys a new outfit for the occasion.

“It is an absolutely incredible day not just for the atmosphere but also for the quality of the racing,” she said.

“It falls on my birthday weekend so I started going with a group of friends who are not racegoers and they are regulars too now,” she said. “What I love about The Everest is that you don’t need to know anything about racing to have a great time.

“My friends all love dressing up too which is just one of the ways I think the races are good for the economy.”

Double Bay boutique Girls With Gems owner Lia Georgantis said the racing season was a wonderful way to showcase Australian designers.

“Racing season kickstarts the influx of shoppers in summer by inspiring excitement for a new season of fashion,” Ms Georgantis said.

“We‘re all about turning heads with extravagantly bold, ‘WOW’ looks. Helping women to feel beautiful in their vision for the perfect race day outfit is one of the most rewarding parts of what we do,” she said.

Originally published as Popping 10,000 champagne corks just the start of a $100 million economic boost from The Everest