Going to the Races in Australia
A Horseracing Day Out at Rosehill Gardens and Royal Randwick
Mar 27, 2007
Going to the races is a part of life for most Australians. It involves dressing up in their finest, mingling with friends, family and strangers alike, and indulging in both a glass of champagne and a sound bet on the steed of the day.
There are two race courses in Sydney, Australia that offer fantastic events though spring, summer and autumn. One is Rosehill Gardens, close to Paramatta in Western Sydney, and the other race course is Royal Randwick in central Sydney, near Kensington. During the months of March and April, the Autumn Racing Carnival brings some top notch races that draw packed crowds. Most Aussies usually arrive around 11 a.m. on a Saturday and refuse to leave until the end of all the day’s events.
Once the first race begins, the crowd is reeling in excitement. Every attendee is holding out their winning bet as the horses dash around the track. As soon as the jockeys and their ladies cross the finish line, cheers are heard throughout the stadium. There are also quite a few disappointed grunts as some Aussie males throw down their losing tickets.
Many Australians are outgoing people. They will often introduce themselves if they see a new face at the race course. An innocent tourist is even likely to gain some free advice from a professional gambler on their top choice stallion. One gambler says that if a visitor is just looking to have some fun he or she should bet $2.50 on the lowest rated horse. If the horse wins, he says the winnings could reach $400.00 - $500.00 (of course a tourist should also bear in mind that is a long shot).
Beyond the races, there are all sorts of lively events progressing. On Ladies' days there are fashion shows that allow all the women a chance to show off their glamorous dresses, hats and accessories. The fashions range from the colorful and fun to classic and sophisticated. The winner on one particularly Saturday was wearing a wide-brimmed gold hat with flowers on the side and a classic A-line black dress. The attire for both men and women comes closest to dressing for a wedding, with a trendy twist of course.
As the day moves forward, the crowds continue to mingle more and more. No one is a stranger and everyone is eager to share their winnings over another glass of champagne. The outside patio area remains the hub for the 20-somethings, while in-contrast the members section caters to those who prefer a little more comfort.
The experience is top-notch. It is a splash of sophistication and fun that you will want to enjoy throughout the autumn/spring season.
