The Championships

Australians celebrate The Championships, a popular horse racing event at Royal Randwick racecourse annually.

Twelve races are held each year on the first and second Saturday of April, with over $20 million in prize money on the line.

Betting on the Championships is very popular, with hundreds of millions of dollars spent on the races over the two days. Most people place bets through the official TAB or a bookmaker in person, although many races are televised. People also bet online at home or a local pub or gaming venue.

Day 1 – 5 April 2025

Royal Randwick hosts the first day of the Sydney Autumn Racing Carnival, The Star Championships Day 1. This day is rich in prizemoney and even richer in history, with highlights including the Group 1 Australian Derby and the Group 1 The Star Doncaster Mile.

As a nod to tradition, dress to impress in black-and-white attire, indulge in stylish dining, or savour culinary delights from Sydney’s finest street vendors.

Share your style in the 2025 Autumn Fashion Stakes on The Star Championships Day 1 for a chance to win over $15,000 in cash and prizes!

Day 2 – 12 April 2025

A day that is renowned for its feature race, the Queen Elizabeth Stakes. Prestige, assured legacy, and record prize money of $4 million guarantee a blockbuster race for the ages. The ‘Grand Finals of Australian Racing’ offers a full race card including three other Group 1 races (the world’s most prestigious class of racing) – the $2 million Schweppes Sydney Cup, $1 million The Star Australian Oaks and $1 million Grainshaker Vodka Queen of the Turf Stakes.

Don’t miss the WINX Stand, open to all and offers spectacular rooftop views, stylish bars, and live entertainment. Explore all the food and drink options or book an award-winning Premium Dining Experience package.

Experience the exhilarating sights and sounds of a dozen thoroughbred racehorses thundering down towards you by watching a race from the fence. Look in your racebook for races of a distance of 2400m. They begin in front of the Grandstand, and it’s a spectacular sight as the horses emerge from the starting stalls.

After Group or Listed races, there is a trackside presentation. This is where the jockeys, owners, and trainers continue to celebrate as winning sashes and trophies are presented.

What To Wear

The official carnival colours are Black and White for Day 1 and Royal Blue for Day 2.

Ladies – Members
Ladies are expected to maintain a suitable standard in keeping with the regulations of the Members Reserve. The dress code also applies to members’ guests and those day guests in dining rooms and venues within the member’s reserve areas. Overseas visitors are welcome to wear the formal national dress of their country. The dress code applies to children 14 years and over.

Ladies – General Admission
General Admission has no formal dress code, but it’s recommended that you wear smart clothing befitting a race day occasion. All general admission dining rooms and function venues require smart casual attire. Overseas visitors are welcome to wear the formal national dress of their country. The dress code applies to children 14 years of age and over.

Gentlemen – Members
In Member areas at Royal Randwick and Rosehill Gardens, gentlemen must wear tailored pants, dress shoes, a collared shirt and tie, and a jacket, sports coat, or blazer. The dress code also applies to members’ guests and those day guests in dining rooms and venues within the Members Reserve areas.

Gentlemen are required to wear a suit of tailored slacks (tailored chinos are acceptable), a sports coat or blazer, a tie, and dress shoes. Jackets are optional during daylight savings periods.

Ties are always required in the Members Reserve area. Members found not wearing a tie within the Members area will be asked to purchase a tie from the Members Concierge.

Overseas visitors are welcome to wear the formal national dress of their country.

Gentlemen – General Admission
General Admission has no formal dress code, but it recommends smart dress befitting of a race day occasion and encourages our guests to wear a buttoned, collared shirt with a suit jacket and pants. All general admission dining rooms and function venues require smart casual attire. Overseas visitors are welcome to wear the formal national dress of their country. The dress code applies to children 14 years and over.

Travel & Parking at Royal Randwick

Royal Randwick is well serviced by public transport, with a Light Rail station and a purpose-built bus terminal at the racecourse’s main entrance on Alison Road. The racecourse is located in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs, approximately 6km from Sydney CBD and 8km from Sydney Airport.

Light Rail
L2 – Circular Quay / Central direct to Royal Randwick
L3 – Circular Quay / Central to Kensington

The Royal Randwick stop is on Alison Road, opposite the racecourse’s main entrance. Services run regularly from 5am until 1am on weekdays and weekends. Additional services will also be provided during major race days and events.

Buses

Plenty of regular buses also run between the City and Eastern Suburbs via Anzac Parade and Alison Road to get you to Randwick Racecourse, including bus routes 339, 373, 374, 376 and 377.

Your ticket to the Sydney Autumn Racing Carnival at Rosehill Gardens (16, 23, 30 March) and Royal Randwick (6, 13, 20 April) includes travel on trains, buses, light rail, and ferries. When boarding services, show your ticket, proof of purchase, or ATC membership to transport staff.

Taxis
Taxis enter Royal Randwick through the Ascot Street entrance, where there is a secure taxi rank for set-down and collection.

Please note that taxis, ride-shares, and hire cars are not permitted to stop on Alison Rd or Doncaster Avenue.

Free Parking
The infield car park offers free parking. Entry is via High Street, opposite UNSW.

Members & Owners Car Park
The Members’ Coach service is provided for the comfort and convenience of Australian Turf Club Members. Seats on the coach must be purchased by Friday midday before the race day. Refer to the ATC Members Portal for details regarding Members Car Park.

The Championships race is a day full of fun and frivolities. Dress up in your Autumn finest, and bring a group of friends (maybe even a picnic). Food and drinks can be purchased at the racetrack, and ATMs are available inside the racecourse; however, due to the large crowds, lines are often long. Betting is a popular pastime, so bring some extra cash to place a bet.