Star-Studded Long Lunch Marks the Start of the 2025 Sydney Everest Carnival

Sydney sparkled today as the city’s social, sporting and style calendars united for the official launch of the 2025 Sydney Everest Carnival, celebrated with an exclusive long lunch at The Stables, Royal Randwick.

Hosted by 7Racing’s Emma Freedman, the afternoon brought together racing royalty, fashion leaders, sporting greats and media personalities for a glamorous celebration of culture, entertainment and racing prestige.

Guests arrived in style with horse-drawn carriage photo moments and were treated to Grey Goose’s signature Mandarin Daze cocktail and Moët & Chandon on arrival. Bespoke experiences – including a striking 16-horse starter barrier with live horses – set the stage for the Carnival’s spirit.

Inside the historic stables, a 22-metre dining table dressed in white and green florals, chandeliers and live saxophone created a spectacular setting. The luncheon also unveiled the Carnival’s record $81 million prize money program, spanning nine weeks across Royal Randwick and Rosehill Gardens from 20 September – 8 November. Headline races include the world’s richest turf race, the $20 million TAB Everest, and the $10 million Golden Eagle now taking place at Royal Randwick.

One of the afternoon’s highlights was the arrival of Hall of Fame trainer Gai Waterhouse and her daughter Kate Waterhouse by horse and carriage – a fitting moment as Gai celebrated her birthday. Also in attendance was Ciaron Maher, the 2024 TAB Everest-winning trainer, who has secured a coveted slot in the 2025 TAB Everest.

Guests enjoyed a behind-the-scenes glimpse of celebrity chef, George Mirosevich’s, signature Balter Beer-Battered Lobster Roll, which will be available throughout the Carnival at the Peacock Lounge, Royal Randwick.

Fashion took centre stage as Grace Hayden, Laura Dundovic and Saskia Wotton made bold style statements in vibrant race-day hues of blue, red and pink. Adding to the excitement, the 2025 Fashion Stakes was officially announced with the return of a dazzling celebration of style, individuality and raceday elegance. This year, the Fashion Stakes will unfold across six major racedays, culminating in a glamorous grand final on Moët & Chandon Spring Champion Stakes Day.

Key Guests Included A Mix of Racing Icons, Fashion Leaders, Sporting Greats and Media Personalities:

• Gai Waterhouse – Hall of Fame Trainer
• Kate Waterhouse – 7Racing Presenter
• Adrian Bott – Trainer
• Chris Waller – Trainer
• Mel McLaughlin – 7News Presenter
• Emma Freedman – MC & 7Racing Presenter
• Ciaron Maher – Trainer & 2024 TAB Everest Winning Trainer
• Annabel Archibald – Trainer
• Bjorn Baker – Trainer
• Kerrin McEvoy – Jockey
• Rob Archibald – Trainer
• George Mirosevich – Celebrity Chef
• Grace Hayden – Media Personality
• Laura Dundovic – F Media Personality
• Saskia Wotton – Whispering Angel Ambassador
• Duncan James – Media Personality
• Donny Galella – Fashion Stylist
• Mariam Seddiq – Fashion Designer
• Stacey Hemera Roberts – Milliner
• Paul Versace – Celebrity Stylist
• Donny Galella – Fashion Stylist

The 2025 Sydney Everest Racing Carnival Highlights

• The Peacock Lounge, presented by Balter – the ultimate raceday party in the WINX Stand with DJs, live music, playful fashion themes, flowing beer and bubbles.
• ‘After The Last’ Concert Series – headliners include Hot Dub Time Machine, Bag Raiders and Bjorn Again, with more to come.
• Fashion Stakes – bigger and bolder in 2025, with on-course registration and a grand finale on Moët & Chandon Spring Champion Stakes Day, 25 October.
• Bespoke Experiences – from Carnivale presented by Brookvale Union to the Whispering Angel Garden, Chandon Spritz Garden, Asahi Super Dry Bar, Pamper Pavilion and curated dining precincts.
• Base Camp – Sydney’s newest entertainment precinct, unveiled on TAB Everest Day, redefining the raceday experience.
• Exclusive Dish by George Mirosevich – the Balter Beer-Battered Lobster Roll served in a toasted milk bun with cucumber, iceberg lettuce and sesame dressing, available only at the Peacock Lounge, Royal Randwick.

Key Race Dates

• Sat 20 Sept – Sydney Surf to Turf Day, Royal Randwick
• Sat 27 Sept – Yulong Golden Rose Day, Rosehill Gardens
• Sat 4 Oct – TAB Epsom Day, Royal Randwick
• Sat 11 Oct – Hill Stakes Day, Rosehill Gardens
• Sat 18 Oct – TAB Everest Day, Royal Randwick
• Sat 25 Oct – Moët & Chandon Spring Champion Stakes Day, Royal Randwick
• Sat 1 Nov – Golden Eagle Day, Royal Randwick
• Tues 4 Nov – The Big Dance on Cup Day, Royal Randwick
• Sat 8 Nov – Five Diamonds Ladies Day, Rosehill Gardens

Rivalry. Excitement. Style. It was all on show at the 2025 Sydney Everest Carnival.
Discover the full schedule here and relive the action @AustralianTurfClub #SydneyEverestCarnival.