March 1, 2016
The Australian Turf Club has announced the 2016 Sydney Autumn Carnival ambassadors. Celebrating over 150 years of rich Australian Racing history, the ambassador family highlights Australia’s leading racing talent, as well as introducing a diverse group of new faces.
Australian actresses, Isabelle Cornish and Grace Huang media personality, Sylvia Jeffreys, Australian model Elyse Knowles and power couple Ronan Keating and Storm Keating have been named, alongside Rachel Griffiths, the Longines Golden Slipper Carnival ambassador and L D R U who are set to perform on Schweppes Stakes Day.
Leading racing personalities Chris Waller, Gabrielle Englebrecht, Hugh Bowman, James McDonald, Sam Clipperton and Winona Costin will also feature throughout the Sydney Autumn Carnival alongside Myer ambassador Jodi Anasta, milliner Nerida Winter, and Little Sydney ambassador Matt Moran in support off the six week bumper Carnival, which promises an impressive program of world-class racing and social activities.
Talking to the forthcoming Sydney Autumn Carnival, Australian Turf Club CEO, Darren Pearce said:
“This year’s Sydney Autumn Carnival offers Sydney’s racegoers and social set a world-class festival of thoroughbred racing, stunning fashion, entertainment and premium hospitality.
“Over six weeks, the world’s best horses, jockeys and trainers will compete at Sydney’s best racecourses for more than $34 million in prizemoney across 45 Group races – a $2.4 million increase from last year.”
The 2016 Sydney Autumn Carnival from 12 March to 16 April features two of Australia’s biggest racing events, the Longines Golden Slipper Carnival and The Championships. The Carnival kicks off with three weeks at Rosehill Gardens including Cellarbrations Ladies Day, 12 March, Longines Golden Slipper Day, 19 March followed by Western Sydney Legends Day, 26 March over the Easter weekend. The Carnival then shifts to Royal Randwick for the third running of The Championships, the Grand Finals of Australian Racing on 2 and 9 April before concluding with Schweppes Stakes Day on 16 April.
On Longines Golden Slipper Day, racegoers will witness history with the 60th running of the the world’s richest race for two year olds, as well as five other Group 1 races. The day will also feature the new ‘Fashion at the Races’ presented by Myer, Vogue and GQ Australia, judged by Vogue Australia’s Editor-in-Chief Edwina McCann, as well as the Longines Award for Elegance, NOVA 96.9 Garden Party, pamper lounges and live music, making it a not-to-be-missed event this autumn.
The Championships, the Grand Finals of Australian Racing at Royal Randwick on 2 April and 9 April, in 2016 will offer prizemoney totalling over $20 million – the richest two days in Australian Racing.
The Championships Day 1 featuring the BMW Australian Derby on Saturday 2 April, set against a backdrop of traditional black and white fashion, will see world-class racing combined with premium hospitality and entertainment. The day features some of Australia’s most iconic races including the $2.5 million Darley TJ Smith Stakes, the $3 million The Star Doncaster Mile and the $2 million BMW Australian Derby. Myer Fashions on the Field will take centre stage with both men and women’s categories, as well as a special live performance by international recording artist Ronan Keating.
The Championships Day 2 at Royal Randwick on Saturday 9 April features the world’s richest 2000m turf race, the Group 1 Longines Queen Elizabeth Stakes worth $4 million, the Group 1 Cellarbrations Queen of the Turf Stakes, the Group 1 James Boags Premium Australian Oaks and Group 1 Schweppes Sydney Cup over 3200m, now worth $2 million, a $400,000 increase from previous years. Myer Fashions on the Field will once again attract the fashion elite including the second Longines Award of Elegance for the Sydney Autumn Carnival.
Little Sydney will again entice food lovers and Sydney’s gastronomical social set to Royal Randwick. Bringing back Sydney’s iconic restaurants Icebergs, Chiswick and China Doll this year, Little Sydney promises to be the hottest ticket to the track this Sydney Autumn Carnival. New to racegoers for 2016, Little Bondi will feature as a pop up on the Leger Lawn featuring dishes by Icebergs, The Bucket List and Da Orazio.
The bumper six weeks of Group 1 racing will culminate with a Royal Randwick finale on Schweppes Stakes Day 16 April, including a live performance by Australian artist L D R U for all racegoers to enjoy.
For all ticketing, information and hospitality options, including exclusive dining and reserved seating options, visit www.theATC.com.au.