Top Class Racing and Entertainment Set for Sydney Carnival Conclusion

The sixth and final day of Sydney Carnival has attracted excellent entries with full fields for the entire eight race program at Royal Randwick on Easter Saturday.

The $400,000, Group 1, Daily Telegraph All-Aged Stakes (1400m) has a field of 13 packed with quality. Rangirangdoo (NZ) might be the highest rated entrant, and coming off a win in the Group 1 Daily Telegraph George Ryder Stakes recently, but he is up against no fewer than nine other Group 1 winners.

The field includes Hay List, Triple Honour (NZ), Alverta, Hinchinbrook, All Silent, and Shoot Out, all challenging again at Royal Randwick after their run against Black Caviar in the Group 1 Darley T J Smith Stakes over 1200m on April 9th.

Add Danleigh, Heart Of Dreams, Centennial Park (NZ), Demerit, Eagle Falls and Melito, and the stage is set for an outstanding final Group 1 race of Sydney Carnival.

The first Group 1 race of the day commences with the two-year-olds in the $400,000, Group 1, Moet & Chandon Champagne Stakes (1600m), with a renewal of the battle of the place-getters in the Group 1 Inglis Sires’ Produce Stakes over 1400m on David Jones Australian Derby Day.

Darley’s Helmet is back to try and achieve a clean sweep of the juvenile Triple Crown for trainer Peter Snowden, after Sepoy’s Group 1 AAMI Golden Slipper win, and Helmet’s Sires’ Produce win.

Uate and Paine In The Glass join the Bart Cummings trained Salade, Danny O’Brien’s Victorian colt Running Tall, and the Anthony Cummings trained Houston Benefactor, to contest Darley’s dominance.

Telegraph favorite, Chris Waller's Rangirangdoo.

There is a full field of 14 for the $500,000, Group 1, Hyland Race Colours Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2000m). The field includes Cedarberg, the recent winner of the Group 1, The BMW at Rosehill; Zavite (NZ), winner of the Group 1 Ranvet Stakes; and last Saturday’s Group 1 Emirates Doncaster Mile winner, Sacred Choice.

Three-year-old colt Retrieve, second in the Group 1 David Jones 150th AJC Australian Derby, is having what might be his final race in Australia with his next campaign likely to be for Godolphin in England and Dubai.

Another full field of 16 will face the starter for the $500,000, Group 1, Schweppes Sydney Cup (3200m) with last start winner Hawk Island (IRE) the top-weight at 57.0kg. The international field includes eight Victorian trained runners, six from NSW and one from across the Tasman with runners bred in Australia (6), New Zealand (4), Ireland (3), Great Britain (1) and France (1).

The rail is out 7m from the 1600m to the winning post, and 3m for the remainder of the circuit. The track was rated at acceptance time as a Dead (5).

While the excitement of four Group 1 features is certain to keep punters on the edge of their seat in the grandstands, there will also be a host of off-track entertainment on offer, plus a last minute family ticket offer to celebrate the Easter long weekend.

Art and craft workshops, an egg and spoon race, Easter egg decorating, bonnet making and Easter egg hunts are sure to keep children of all ages entertained, while an NRL skills clinic will have fans of all ages polishing up on their rugby league skills.

The ever popular pony rides, petting zoo and face painting fairies will also return, making it an afternoon at the races not to be missed.

It has also never been more affordable for families to attend Schweppes Sydney Cup Day at Royal Randwick, with a special family ticket offer available for purchase on ticketek.com.au or at the gate on the day. Adults will receive two-for-one racecourse entry, when accompanied with at least one child under 18. All under 18’s will also receive free entry.

The Australian Turf Club will also honor the ANZAC tradition by offering a two- for-one racecourse entry for defence force personnel upon presentation of their ID.

The Australian Girls Youth Choir will perform the national anthem, while a resident DJ from Cargo Bar will entertain the crowd. When the music does stop at the track, a free shuttle bus service will take patrons from Royal Randwick to the official Schweppes Sydney Cup Day after party at Cargo Bar.

The ATC and Cargo Bar have also announced today an on-course promotion for Saturday - Thoroughly Playful at Cargo. Patrons over 18 can enter by filling in the forms available on-course and depositing in the entry barrel at the Information Booth near the Meeting Tree. The winner will receive a private VIP cocktail party for 6 people at Cargo Bar, worth over $1000.

“There really is something for everyone at Royal Randwick this Saturday for Schweppes Sydney Cup Day”, ATC Chief Executive Darren Pearce said today. 

“The Four Group 1 races are sure to keep punters entertained, while the Easter activity and NRL skill clinics ensure kids will have an afternoon to remember.”

“With confirmation of the family ticket offer today, there has never been a better opportunity for families to enjoy an afternoon of quality racing at Royal Randwick”, Mr. Pearce said. 

Tickets are still available for Schweppes Sydney Cup Day on ticketek.com.au

On Monday 25^th April, Royal Randwick is hosting another raceday – the ANZAC Day Races – with free entry for those who dress in uniform, or upon presentation of relevant defence force identification.

Click here for more information.