September 8, 2016
This Saturday, 10 September, the Sydney Spring Carnival will begin with De Bortoli Wines Golden Rose Day which will see the running of the first Group 1 of the Sydney season, the $1million De Bortoli Wines Golden Rose.
Experience top class racing in the newly refurbished $28million Rosehill Gardens venue which will be completely open to public for the first time this weekend.
Racegoers will be able to experience the newest multi-purpose destination, The Hive on the top floor of the J.R Fleming Stand, where guests can enjoy sweeping views of the racecourse while being amongst the buzz of race day activity.
Groups of friends and family are able to celebrate all of the colour and excitement of spring racing at an affordable price when pre-purchasing the Australian Turf Club’s exclusive offer of five general admission tickets for $50.
With all tickets including integrated train travel, there has never been a better time to be trackside.
“The 2016 Sydney Spring Carnival promises to deliver not only top racing action, but will offer racegoers a social experience unique to Sydney,’’ said Australian Turf Club Chief Operating Officer Tony Partridge.
“Over nine weeks the Australian Turf Club will showcase not only facilities to rival the world’s best, but also stage live performances by recognised artists, stunning fashion, and premium food offerings, all starting this weekend at Rosehill Gardens.
“Each day of the Sydney Spring Carnival will provide a different racing and social experience and to further encourage visitors to the track, we have integrated transport for all pre-purchased ticket holders.”
On the track, all eyes will be on the De Bortoli Wines Golden Rose which has attracted two of the world’s top international jockeys, Joao Moreira and Zac Purton, to compete against Sydney’s best for Group 1 glory.
Since the race’s transformation from the Peter Pan Stakes in 2002 to the racing feature it is now known as, the Golden Rose has helped shape the breeding industry with only one winner since 2008 not progressing to a rich stud career.
The 1400m event has not favoured fillies. Since 2003, 35 fillies have lined up in the race out of 173 runners, just over 20% with only one tasting victory (Forensics, 2008).
The 2016 rendition will see Chris Waller’s filly Omei Sword, attempt to change those statistics.
Opening as the $3.50 TAB Fixed Odds favourite the daughter of High Chaparral went on for a convincing 3.5 length win in the Group 2 Silver Shadow Stakes on 20 August.
Competition will come from Run to the Rose winner Astern ($4.60 TAB Fixed Odds) for John O’Shea who sits on the second line of betting.
Historically, the Run to the Rose has been a strong form indicator with four winners of the lead in race going forward to win the spring feature a fortnight later.
Divine Prophet for Hawkes Racing has also opened at $4.60 TAB Fixed Odds after a smart run in the Up and Coming Stakes at Royal Randwick.
Les Bridge-trained Southern Legend has been supported by punters in the Group 2 $200,000 Task Retail Theo Marks Stakes over 1300m.
Opening at $2.60 TAB Fixed Odds, the four-year-old gelding will be looking for back-to-back wins when he faces the starter on Saturday.
Counterattack ($4.20 TAB Fixed Odds), trained by Chris Waller, will be resuming from a spell and will be well prepared for the task following two recent barrier trials.
Peter and Paul Snowden have entered Tycoon Tara who will be after her third consecutive win this start. The mare has proven herself over the distance on three occasions.
Adult general admission tickets are available for $20.00 at ticketek.com.au.
Gates Open at 11.00am with the first race at 12.10pm.
Rosehill Gardens has free high-capacity WiFi across the racecourse precinct.
There is free public parking off James Ruse Drive as well as free parking in the infield from the Unwin Road entrance.
For all ticketing, hospitality, racing and general information visit www.theATC.com.au