Summer racing at Royal Randwick

Sydney’s biggest party is trackside this year with Royal Randwick hosting two spectacular horse racing events on Boxing Day and New Year’s Day. While the rest of Sydney’s entertainment scene takes a well-earned rest, Royal Randwick will be welcoming revellers to the Queen Elizabeth II Grandstand, where the Moët & Chandon will be flowing. Each of these race days will feature several nail-biting races, where you can witness some of the finest jockeys in the country vying for glory on the home straight. 

For overseas visitors in particular, there's a special Boxing Day offer that is the perfect way to experience a unique facet of Sydney culture first hand. Australian Turf Club’s Boxing Day deal invites international passport holders to enjoy free access to Royal Randwick on December 26 from noon. Either pre-book tickets online using the promocode PASSPORT19 or bring your international passport to the Gate B box office on the day to redeem your complimentary race pass.

Once the winners have galloped their way past the post, you can explore and enjoy everything that Royal Randwick has to offer: from food trucks and pop-up bars to relaxing trackside in the Christmas Palms precinct in your very own cabana, with trackside beats from some of Sydney’s hottest DJs in between races.

While all eyes will be fixed on the jockeys' silks once they bolt from the starting gates, the fine garb of the crowd are also an attention-grabbing part of any day at the races. From fabulous fascinators and glamorous summer dresses to the sartorial perfection of a carefully tailored suit, race day is a chance to peacock and showcase your distinguished eye for fashion. Full details of Royal Randwick’s dress code are available on the Australian Turf Club’s website, but if you’re in need of a little couture inspiration, the Turf Club’s handy style guide is a great resource for refining your look. Featuring top fashion advice from official stylist Jess Pecoraro and Harrolds womenswear buyer Roshali Kaul, the style guide offers all the tips, tricks and trends to ensure you dress to impress. 

See 2019 out with a bang, or greet the new year in extravagant style at these two race days that demonstrate why the Australian horse racing circuit is considered one of the finest in the world. This is what summers were made for.

Find out more about Boxing Day at Royal Randwick.

Find out more about New Year's Day Twilight Racing at Royal Randwick.