Sport
Preview
2026 Sydney Everest Carnival: Plan Your Spring Racedays
Sydney Spring has a rhythm of its own. The weather improves, the social calendar fills up and, from Saturday 19 September, the Sydney Everest Carnival returns to Royal Randwick and Rosehill Gardens.
Key Raceday Information
Across nine racedays, the carnival moves from its first Spring meetings to the 10th running of the TAB Everest, then on to the $10 million Golden Eagle and a Melbourne Cup Day celebration in Sydney. There is elite racing at the centre of it all, but the appeal stretches well beyond the track: sharp race-day style, food and drink precincts, fashion moments and live music after the final race.
Sydney Surf To Turf Day
Sydney Surf to Turf Day sets the tone for the weeks ahead, headlined by the Group 2 7 Stakes over a mile as well as the Group 2 Kingston Town Stakes.
Explore The Paddock, the new food and drink destination in the Winx Stand, where El Jannah, Betty’s Burgers and a lively ground-floor bar set up the afternoon, while Zeus Street Greek, Aperol on the terrace and track views await upstairs. Take in the Group 2 racing, then stay on for Joel Fletcher after the last race.
The fashion theme is On Trend: Inspired by the innovation and success of The Everest over the last decade, this theme celebrates modern race day style. Relaxed tailoring, matching sets, bold colour and accessories that make the outfit.
Saturday 19 September
Where: Royal Randwick Racecourse
Starts: 10:45 a.m AEST
After The Last Act: Joel Fletcher
Yulong Golden Rose Day
One week in, the carnival heads west for a day that pairs a major race with an unmistakably spring feel. Yulong Golden Rose Day is the chance to see the next generation of racing talent in the $1 million Golden Rose, while the pace around Rosehill Gardens stays relaxed and social.
The fashion cue is Full Bloom, with florals, pastels and spring accessories fitting the brief. If the AFL Grand Final is part of your Saturday, the AFL Watch Party in the J.R. Fleming Stand means you can keep up with the game while spending the day at the track.
Saturday 26 September
Where: Rosehill Gardens Racecourse
Starts: 11:00 a.m AEST
TAB Epsom Day
TAB Epsom Day brings the first real Grand Final weekend energy of the carnival. There are three Group 1 races on the program and the $1.5 million TAB Epsom at the heart of it, which makes for a day that feels as big in the stands as it does on track.
Classic silhouettes and polished styling take the lead under the Timeless Elegance fashion theme, inspired by Sydney’s oldest Group 1 race in Spring.
Feel the anticipation, the roar of the crowd and the glory of Group 1 racing as the $1.5 million TAB Epsom headlines a huge day at Royal Randwick.
Saturday 3 October
Where: Royal Randwick Racecourse
Starts: 11:00 a.m AEST
After The Last Act: Mashd N Kutcher
Hill Stakes Day
The anticipation starts to feel real at Hill Stakes Day. Settle in for an afternoon of quality racing, good company and all the anticipation of Sydney Everest Carnival as the countdown to TAB Everest Day begins. Hill Stakes Day is the perfect opportunity to settle in, catch up with friends and enjoy great racing at your own pace.
The excitement is building, and so is the fashion. The theme, Bold & Colourful, is an invitation to lean into bright shades, prints and confident styling. If it turns heads for all the right reasons, you’re on the right track.
Saturday 10 October
Where: Rosehill Gardens Racecourse
Starts: 11:30 a.m AEST
TAB Everest Day
Ten years on, TAB Everest Day remains the day that defines the carnival. The world’s richest race on turf brings elite racing, a packed Royal Randwick and the kind of race-day atmosphere that makes Sydney Spring feel properly underway.
Roam between the pop-up bars, food and drink offerings and fashion moments, then stay for a post-race music performance. The artist will be announced soon.
For the biggest day of the carnival, the dress code is Statement Style. Go all out with a show stopping outfit, incredible millinery and something blue. It’s all about making a memorable impression.
Saturday 17 October
Where: Royal Randwick Racecourse
Starts: 10:30 a.m AEST
After The Last Act: TBC
Moët & Chandon Spring Champion Stake Day
The weekend after TAB Everest Day has no intention of winding down. Moët & Chandon Spring Champion Stakes Day trades some of the week’s intensity for a more polished, celebratory mood, without losing the quality racing that has carried the carnival through October.
The dress cue is All That Glitters. Metallic finishes, sequins and embellishment are all part of the brief, marking a decade of The Everest with a little extra shine around the course.
After entries and Wildcard selections across the carnival, the Fashion Stakes finalists from Royal Randwick and Rosehill Gardens will take to the runway for the Grand Finale. A live judging panel will crown the 2026 Sydney Everest Carnival Best Dressed and Best Suited winners.
Saturday 24 October
Where: Royal Randwick Racecourse
Starts: 11:15 a.m AEST
After The Last Act: Kylie Fisher
Golden Eagle Day
Golden Eagle Day has become one of the great Spring occasions. The $10 million Group 1 Golden Eagle draws global attention and gives the final Saturday of October real weight, on and off the track.
The fashion theme is Golden Glam, whether that means an all-gold look or just the right amount of shine, elevate your raceday look with this iconic colour.
Saturday 31 October
Where: Royal Randwick Racecourse
Starts: 10:30 a.m AEST
After The Last Act: TBC
The Big Dance On Cup Day
Melbourne Cup Day is a Tuesday, but that has never stopped Sydney from making a proper occasion of it. The Big Dance on Cup Day is where the city’s racegoers can catch live racing, step out of the office and enjoy the spectacle without leaving town.
The fashion brief, The Sydney Edit, celebrates the unmistakable style of Sydney racing. Defined by confidence, creativity and effortless elegance, this theme is all about modern tailoring, bold colour and making the look your own. After the last race, Furnace & The Fundamentals take the stage at Royal Randwick with a live set of crowd favourites. Make this Cup Day one worth talking about.
Tuesday 3 November
Where: Royal Randwick Racecourse
Starts: 10:30 a.m AEST
After The Last Act: Furnace & The Fundamentals
Five Diamonds Ladies Day
Every carnival needs a finale, and Five Diamonds Ladies Day is made for one. The final Saturday at Rosehill Gardens is a chance to dress up, bring your favourite people and give the season a proper send-off.
The dress code is part of the occasion. Think Pink invites every shade, from soft blush and sherbet to fuchsia and full-strength magenta. Wear it your way but make pink part of the picture.
From 3.00pm, The Piano Room opens in Longchamp, J.R. Fleming Grandstand, bringing Members and General Admission racegoers together for an after-party. The day builds towards a live performance from viral piano sensation Kylie Fisher, a fitting way to close out the carnival at Rosehill Gardens.
Saturday 7 November
Where: Rosehill Gardens Racecourse
Starts: 11:15 a.m AEST
What’s On – Key Information
Rosehill & Randwick
AFTER THE LAST
The After The Last concert series returns bringing epic live performances straight after the last race. Entry is free for all racegoers and included with your raceday ticket – the perfect way to keep the energy going and round out an epic day out.
FASHION STAKES
Be here for unforgettable raceday fashion as Fashion Stakes returns to the Sydney Everest Carnival. Showcase your signature style for a chance to win a share of $30,000 in prizes.
Across each eligible raceday at Royal Randwick, racegoers are invited to register at the dedicated Fashion Stakes Entry Point, where their photo will be taken and their entry submitted for judging. Once entries close, a Top 10 from each category will take to the runway to compete in the live heats. Our judges will then select 2 finalists from each category to progress to the Fashion Stakes Grand Finale, held on Moët & Chandon Spring Champion Stakes Day.
At each eligible raceday at Rosehill Gardens, we’ll introduce Wildcard Entries, with our roving fashion expert searching for standout style. Two entrants from each category will earn an automatic place in the Grand Finale. The Grand Finale will bring together the Top 12 finalists in each category, where a live judging panel will crown the 2026 Sydney Everest Carnival Best Dressed and Best Suited winners.
TRACKSIDE RESERVE, PRESENTED BY ASAHI SUPER DRY
Guarantee yourself a seat trackside, regardless of when you show up! Trackside Reserve puts you right by the rail with views of the home straight. Your booking includes a complimentary beverage and access to an exclusive bar, so you can settle in and follow the racing from a great position.
Trackside Reserve is available at all Rosehill Gardens spring racedays and selected Royal Randwick racedays, excluding TAB Everest Day. Tickets start from $89 at Rosehill Gardens and $99 at Royal Randwick.
