8 Unmissable Highlights on The Big Dance on Cup Day

October 31, 2022

The Sydney Everest Carnival continues at Royal Randwick on Tuesday for The Big Dance on Cup Day. The only place to witness live racing in Sydney, this year’s event will be bigger and better than ever with the introduction of the inaugural $2 million The Big Dance followed by a live performance from British band Rudimental who will perform after the last race. Bring together colleagues and friends to enjoy the jewel in Sydney’s racing crown on Melbourne Cup Day.

Here are 8 things you don’t want to miss when you’re at trackside. Gates open at 10:00am for members and 10:30am for all other guests with race 1 at 11:45am.

1. The inaugural $2 million Big Dance – 2.20pm

Don’t miss the first running of the $2 million Big Dance at Royal Randwick. The race features a host of gallopers who won or finished second in the Country Cups around NSW. Superstar jockey Frankie Dettori will ride the favourite Hosier for Newcastle trainer Kris Lees. There is also the inaugural running of the Little Dance (3.30pm) with runners competing for $500,000 in prize money.

2. Melbourne Cup Coverage – 3pm

Racegoers at Royal Randwick will also be able to watch the ‘race that stops a nation’ across many of the TV screens at Royal Randwick. Leading Sydney jockey Kerrin McEvoy rides International runner and favourite Deauville Legend.

3. Punters Podium

The ATC Punters Podium is back! The team from Racing and Sports partner with the ATC to ensure everyone on course has a chance of a collect Tipsters from R&S will be situated in the refurbished Punters Lounge at Royal Randwick, level 1 of the Winx Stand They’ll give previews of the day, tips for the main races and of course updates of all their key bets and results. They’ve also got some great merchandise to give away to lucky punters so be sure to check them out in person.

Follow @aus_turf_club on twitter to keep abreast of all that’s going on. So how do you get involved? Simple! Shares for the Punters Podium will be available from ALL TAB ONCOURSE OPERATORS up until around 15 mins before Race 5 each day. For as little as $10 per ticket you can take a stake in a pool that these professionals expertly wager across races 5-9 each day, including all the major races.

4. Glam up at the Glam House
Step inside The Glam House, a precinct to ensure you look your best all day long! With hair and make-up artists on hand for quick touch ups, a perfume parlour for a refresh, fashion illustrators ready to sketch your raceday look and race day essentials. Find out more here.

5. Check out the world-class WINX Stand
The impressive WINX Stand named after the legendary mare is open to all racegoers to enjoy. The ground floor will feature DJ and food outlets which opens up on to the Leger lawn to get close to the racing action. Upstairs in The Gallery North Room will feature a sports bar with bespoke food offering and betting activation, while The Gallery South has DJs with cocktails and tapas. The open terrace is also home to the Happy Clapper Bar which has one of the best views on track. Watch here.

6. Indulge in raceday fare
We’ve enhanced 24 food & beverage outlets leading into Spring. Members can head to the Carbine Café to find boutique finger sandwiches including the iconic crab, house-made signature desserts and fine coffee. The Epsom Cheese and Wine Bar by Petaluma provides shared platters and artisan cheese and salumi from predominantly New South Wales producers. The Doncaster Room will be the home of a new tapas style menu with online ordering facility. The adjacent Kensington Room will offer a twist on the much-loved pie and mash combination. Oaks Café will serve market fresh seafood cooked to order including the popular Furphy beer battered fish and fat chips.

On the members’ lawn a new American-style smokehouse will serve slow-cooked beef brisket and signature burgers. Also check out the divine handmade Espresso Martini from the iconic Mr Black Airstream Van, or Lobster & Co’s iconic Lobster Roll served with a glass of Champagne and Truffle Parmesan Fries.

7. Celebration Hour

Celebrate with an ice-cold Furphy between 12pm and 1pm for just $8. Also, from 3pm grab a Schweppes drink for $2.

8. Dance the day away to a DJ set by hit UK band Rudimental – 6.15pm

The hit British band Rudimenta will be performing a DJ set after the last in The Theatre of The Horse, they bring an eclectic and dominant sound that are sure to impress. The band have enjoyed great success since their breakthrough hit, Feel The Love, in 2012 with 25 million singles and 3 million album sales worldwide. The performances will take place ‘After The Last’ with these free concerts included for all racegoers including members and general admission ticket holders.

Book for Five Diamonds Ladies Day at Rosehill Gardens (5 Nov).

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