Thousands of glammed-up racegoers dress to the nines as they flock to Sydney’s Royal Randwick for the start of the Autumn Carnival – and there might be some sore heads in the morning
- Racegoer have s celebrated sunny weather as Covid restrictions were eased
- Saturday had black and white dress code but plenty of colour was on show
- The Autumn Carnival is being held at Sydney’s Royal Randwick until April 24
Thousands of Sydneysiders dressed to the nines flocked to Royal Randwick for a big day on the Autumn Racing Carnival calendar at Royal Randwick.
Saturday marked day one of The Star Championships, usually known for a formal black-and-white dress code – but many Sydney racegoers went for a little more colour to match a party vibe.
The revellers’ vibrant attire and celebratory mood was little wonder amid the sunny weather and hopes the worst days of Covid are behind them.
Sydney racegoers celebrated sunny skies and the easing of Covid restrictions with a celebratory day out at Royal Randwick racecourse
Revellers belted out the celebratory tunes to live DJs under clear skies trackside in Sydney
Day one of The Star Championships is usually an elegant black and white affair, but some punters were having none of that, with plenty of colour reflecting a lifting of spirits
A COVID-restricted crowd of 15,000 was allowed to attend Day 1 of The Championships.
The big race was won by jockey of the moment, Jamie Kah, on board Godolphin six-year-old gelding, Cascadian, but there was plenty of action in the stands as the stars turned out.
Cricket WAGS Erin Holland and Dani Willis added extra class and star appeal, stepping out in chic numbers at the event, which was a sell-out.
The WAGS are out! In Sydney on Saturday, Erin Holland and Dani Willis cut stylish figures in chic black dresses as they led red carpet arrivals at The Star Championships
Newlywed Erin, 32, oozed sex appeal in a figure-hugging black minidress – featuring a side slit, low-plunging neckline and sheer material on the shoulders.
Dani, who is married to Steve Smith, went for an off-the-shoulder black dress and a matching black hat.
Simple and chic: Dani, who is married to Steve Smith, went for an off-the-shoulder black dress and a matching black hat
James McDonald after winning the Heineken T J Smith Stakes on Saturday. A COVID-restricted crowd of 15,000 was allowed to attend Day 1 of The Championships
Erin and Dani were joined by familiar faces at the event, including racing royalty Kate Waterhouse and Fox Sports presenter Abbey Gelmi.
Married At First Sight stars Jules and Cameron Merchant also made an appearance.
Aside from a heady trackside vibe fuelled by betting on four million-dollar races topping the bill of 10 races, the mood was jubilant with Covid restrictions eased at Randwick.
Another showstopper: Married At First Sight stars Jules Merchant (left), 38, stole the show in a black and white polka dot dress, which featured two different sleeves and a side split. Jules’ 37-year-9old husband, Cameron (right), matched his outfit with his beautiful wife’s number
Glammed-up punters headed to the Fashion Stakes competition, where they were entertained by live DJs including Hot Dub Time Machine, in a party atmosphere featuring plenty of dancing and singing in pop-up bars surrounded by street vendors.
Judging by the dancing, singing and smiles there could be a few sore heads in the morning.
A punter pulls a pose as she gets in the mood for the race meet at Royal Randwick Racecourse on Saturday
As the day wore on the celebrations got a bit much for some who could be feeling it tomorrow
On the track, James McDonald leads the way in the running for this year’s prestigious Nathan Berry Medal – awarded to the most successful jockey of The Championships.
Mr McDonald took the honours on Day 1 with wins aboard Anamoe in the Inglis Sires’ and Nature Strip in the Heineken TJ Smith Stakes.
He also became the fastest rider to reach 50 group one wins at Randwick on Saturday.
