Royal Randwick welcomed record-breaking crowds this Boxing Day, as festive celebrations and vibrant Irish hospitality drew over 21,000 racegoers to Sydney’s most iconic racecourse. With this attendance figure, Boxing Day has become the second-highest attended raceday at Royal Randwick this year, surpassed only by the sold-out TAB Everest Day.
In true holiday spirit, racegoers enjoyed a day of sunshine, thrilling racing, and vibrant entertainment, including DJ sets and live music from The Soniks. New and expanded spaces were opened across the course to accommodate the growing crowd, including select Members’ areas made accessible to General Admission customers.
“This day reflects our commitment to delivering memorable, vibrant, and value-driven experiences for a diverse audience, especially younger racegoers.” Australian Turf Club CEO Matt Galanos said.
Irish-Inspired Festivities in the Winx Stand
The Winx Stand transformed into an Irish-inspired destination, presented in partnership with The Mercantile Hotel. Guinness poured freely, with 2000 serves across the day, alongside classic Irish pub fare such as spice bags and chicken fillet rolls. Mick Comerford, General Manager of The Mercantile Hotel & 4 Doors Down said “the team had prepared 1000 loaded curry fries for guests”.
Live music from The Soniks, direct from The Mercantile’s Four Doors Down, brought the iconic Irish pub atmosphere to life. The crowd’s high energy matched the beats spun by DJs across key course destinations, including the Whispering Angel Bar.
A Variety of Food and Beverage Options
Boxing Day offered a culinary journey to suit all tastes, from authentic Irish classics to racecourse favorites like Vili’s pies and gozleme. Pop-up bars featuring James Squire, White Claw, and Chandon Garden Spritz added variety, ensuring every guest had the perfect refreshment to complement their day.
Key Highlights of the Day
- DJ D-Flat: Kicked off the day with an energetic set in the Winx Stand.
- The Soniks: Performed live from 3:30 PM–6:30 PM, keeping the Irish vibes alive.
- Expanded Guest Areas: New and reopened spaces ensured all racegoers enjoyed seamless access to the festivities.
This year’s Boxing Day Raceday demonstrated why Royal Randwick remains at the forefront of racing and entertainment, blending world-class racing with immersive experiences that appeal to all.
For further information, imagery, or media requests, please contact:
Emma Reynolds – Senior Marketing Manager | Australian Turf Club ereynolds@australianturfclub.com.au | +61 412 692 352