The Run To The Rose Day, Saturday, 12th September

Rosehill Gardens

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Black and White Set the Tone as The Championships Arrived at Royal Randwick

A Day of Prestige Entertainment and Atmosphere Style and Indulgence On-Course Activations and Experiences

A sea of monochrome swept across Royal Randwick on Saturday 4 April, as The Championships Day 1 brought together four Group 1 races, high-impact fashion and a curated social scene for one of the defining moments of the Sydney Autumn Racing Carnival.

A Day of Prestige

  • The Sydney Autumn Racing Carnival ramped up with The Championships Day 1 at Royal Randwick – a standout raceday that blended elite racing, fashion and entertainment in a bold black-and-white setting.
  • Headlining the day were four elite Group 1 contests, including the ATC Australian Derby, Doncaster Mile, Asahi Super Dry T J Smith Stakes and Inglis Sires’, showcasing the very best in Australian racing.
  • From trackside to hospitality, the day delivered a premium experience, cementing its status as a must-attend moment on Sydney’s social calendar, with key guests including Daly Cherry-Evans, Alli Simpson, Madison Woolley and Laura Dundovic in attendance.

Entertainment and Atmosphere

  • The Piano Room debuted as an exclusive ATC Members’ after-party, transforming the Kingston Town Room into a sophisticated piano bar from 6:00pm, culminating in a live performance from viral sensation Kylie Fisher following the final race.
  • The ‘After the Last’ concert series returned to Royal Randwick, with Australian-grown international DJ CYRIL taking over the decks for an electrifying live set straight after the final race.
  • The Peacock Lounge presented by Balter brought trackside energy to the Winx Stand, with live DJs, curated food and a vibrant social atmosphere throughout the day.

Style and Indulgence

  • Racegoers embraced the theme of Black and White Elegance, setting the tone for a sophisticated and fashion-forward raceday.
  • Fashion Stakes saw racegoers showcase bold style across Best Dressed and Best Suited categories, judged by celebrity stylist Donny Galella. Daily finalists were selected to compete in live runway heats from 3:00pm, progressing toward the Grand Finale on The Championships Day 2.
  • The Pamper Pavilion offered guests complimentary makeup touch-ups courtesy of Runway Room, express hair styling, live fashion sketches and a glass of Chandon on arrival.

On-Course Activations and Experiences

  • TAB Stayers Lounge – A VIP zone with plush lounges, premium food and beverages as well as unbeatable views.
  • Trackside Reserve Presented by Asahi Super Dry – Positioned at one of the best vantage points on course, trackside reserve guests can enjoy an Asahi Super Dry on tap while catching thrilling race moments.
  • Mr Black Airstream – Guests can enjoy expertly crafted espresso martinis and coffees, for the ultimate raceday pick-me-up.
  • The Pamper Pavilion offers complimentary beauty touch-ups, express hairstyling and fashion illustrations, ensuring racegoers look their best all day long.
  • The Asahi Super Dry Trackside Bar offers one of the best vantage points on-course, with ice-cold beer on tap and uninterrupted views of the racing action.

Expect it all at the 2026 Sydney Autumn Racing Carnival.

Discover the full schedule at australianturfclub.com.au/carnival/sydney-autumn-racing and follow the action on social media @AustralianTurfClub #SydneyAutumnRacingCarnival.

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