Eight Unforgettable Stories to Make at The Star Championships Day 1

March 30, 2022

Ahead of The Star Championships Day 1 at Royal Randwick, here is our inside track on how to make the most of your day (Gates open at 10.30am for Members and 11.00am for everyone else, arrive early to grab the best spots).

In the event of wet weather, there are plenty of indoor and undercover spaces to still have a great day. Members can visit The Stables (the place to party after the last) and refurbed Official Stand, while General Admission racegoers can enjoy the buzz and hullabaloo of the betting ring of the ground floor Kensington Room or the spectacular new WINX Stand (watching a race its the roof terrace is a must).

BEAT THE QUEUES

While there is plenty of parking at Royal Randwick, keep in mind that travel on Sydney trains, buses, light rail and ferry to and from the racecourse is included in your ticket. Just present proof of ticket purchase or your Membership card while boarding or at the terminal.

experience it all at winx

Stylish lounges, panoramic rooftop bars, live entertainment, unprecedented race views and full protection from the elements, WINX is racing re-imagined. On the ground floor, the Canadian Club Trackside Party will have DJ’s bringing the vibes from morning ’til night and the Grainshaker Vodka Bar makes its debut (keep an eye out for the giveaway merch). On the top-floor, if you can drag yourself away from the views then there will be tipsters and the Punters Podium in the Gallery North room while the the Gallery South offers more eclectic beats (and Schweppes Cocktail Cart) for the more socially motivated racegoer! The outdoor Furphy Terrace Bar sits between these rooms for if the sun does break through and serves the official beer of the Australian Turf Club.

discover your fashion story

The Autumn Fashion Stakes competition gives you a chance to win a share of over $20k in cash and prizes over the Carnival. A prize will be awarded to one lucky female, male and if you have your squad together…  group. You can enter online or on-course. Don’t forget to dress in black and white as a nod to the traditions of this day (the feature races date back to the mid 19th century!). Get your outfit inspo from our 2022 Autumn Style Guide.

diNE IN STYLE

For those lucky to have secured a place in the sold out trackside hospitality experience, The Conservatory Dining Room, you’ll be treated to gourmet canapés on arrival by our Sydney Autumn Racing Carnival Culinary Ambassador Dany Karam, from BLACK Bar & Grill at The Star. PS. We caught up with him to hear some of his stories, you can read more here.

General Admission guests will also enjoy a sensory sensation when grabbing a bite from some of Sydney’s best street food vendors. These including Greek Street and Mr. Tortilla, Caminito, Happy as Larry Pizza and Hot Dogs.

EXCITING  pop up bars

Discover a world of bubbles at Destination Chandon, or enjoy Lion’s best craft beers on tap at the Malt Shovel Tap House. The Aperol Combi will house a DJ to keep you dancing, and you can try an unmistakably orange Aperol Spritz nearby.

For Members, try some the finest wines at the Petaluma Bar or share a #MoetMoment at the Moët & Chandon Garden on the Members Lawn. Enjoy a handmade Mr Black and Grainshaker Vodka Espresso Martini from the Mr Black Bar behind the Official Stand. Pop up to The Stables on Level 4 of the Queen Elizabeth II Grandstand to visit the new Grainshaker Terrace Bar, with views over the Theatre of the Horse and the Sydney skyline, serving a range of cocktails.

INSTAGRAM WORTHY moments

Upon arrival, don’t forget to grab a snap at the spectacular Photo Moment near the Theatre of the Horse. Keep an eye out for roving entertainment including Mirror Jugglers, Blanca Dolls, The Press Gang and Compliment Booth for some fun Insta story content.

In celebration of the Bentley Australian Derby, Bentley will be showcasing their vehicles behind the Queen Elizabeth II Grandstand.

Need a little hair touch up? Experience the latest beauty innovation the Dyson Corrale straightener at the Styled with Dyson Marquee. Enjoy complimentary hair touch ups and a 360 photo moment. #StyledWithDyson

YOUR soundtrAck to the star championships day 1

Local vocalist Matilda Moran will perform the national anthem. Australian indie band Sheppard will perform after the last  in the Theatre of the Horse with bangers Geronimo and Let Me Down Easy.

of course…. world-class racing

Headlining the day is four Group 1 races: the $3 million The Star Doncaster Mile, the $2 million Bentley Australian Derby the $2.5 million Furphy TJ Smith Stakes the $1 million Inglis Sires’. It also includes the eighth running of the $500,000 Newhaven Park Country Championships Final. Here’s where to watch the horses on a raceday (we recommend a visit to the evocative day stalls). If you are watching from afar we’re on Channel 7 and Sky Racing. Study the form on our downloadable racebook.

View a map to help you discover your story.

Book your tickets to The Star Championships Day 1 here.