BOXING DAY RACEDAY HITS NEW HEIGHTS WITH RECORD TICKET SALES AND NEW ON-TRACK EXPERIENCES
Royal Randwick’s annual Boxing Day meeting is poised to break a record for the festive season this year at Sydney’s world-famous racecourse.
Following a successful Spring Carnival, including a sold-out TAB Everest Day in October, more than half of all General Admission tickets—priced at just $10—have already been sold.
The Australian Turf Club will open new areas and spaces for general admission customers, including some Members’ areas to accommodate the growing Boxing Day crowd.
“The early surge in ticket sales underscores the appeal of Boxing Day at Royal Randwick, as we bring experiences for all our guests” Australian Turf Club CEO Matt Galanos said.
“This day reflects our commitment to delivering memorable, vibrant, and value-driven experiences for a diverse audience, especially younger racegoers.”
With music, vibrant Irish vibes, and Guinness served in the Winx Stand and Officials Stand, Boxing Day promises to be an electric celebration. Created in partnership with The Mercantile Hotel, for the first time at Royal Randwick, the Irish-inspired destination, will be serving classic pub fares such as spice bags, curry sauce and chips, and chicken fillet rolls, complemented by a perfect glass of Guinness.
Irish-born Sydney based Jockey Tom Sherry visited The Mercantile’s Four Doors Down this week to preview that will be on offer at Royal Randwick and learned how to pour the perfect Guinness with Licensee James Dunne.
Sherry and Dunne reminisced about home over a freshly poured Guinness. Sherry even tried his luck at ‘splitting the G’.
“Boxing Day at Royal Randwick—St Stephen’s Day for us Irish—promises to be something special this year, and we’re thrilled to be part of it,” said Mick Comerford, General Manager of The Mercantile Hotel & 4 Doors Down.
“Our team will be serving up classic Irish hospitality with a bar and kitchen on the ground floor of the Winx Stand.”
“The Irish love a good party, and with our resident band The Soniks performing live between races close to our bar, we’re bringing that iconic pub vibe to Royal Randwick. It’s going to be an unforgettable day!”
For those looking for variety, pop-up bars from James Squire, White Claw, and Chandon Garden Spritz will offer alternatives.
Entertainment will include live performances and DJ sets across the course:
– D-Flat DJ Set: 12:30 PM–3:30 PM in the Winx Stand
– The Soniks: The Mercantile Hotel’s resident band performing live from 3:30 PM–6:30 PM in the Winx Stand
– Additional DJ Performances: Whispering Angel Bar and other key areas
This year’s food offerings are equally impressive, featuring:
Irish Pub Classics
– Loaded Curry Fries: Beer-battered fries topped with cheese and Irish curry sauce
– Chicken Fillet Roll: Crumbed chicken fillet, cheese, lettuce, and mayo on a fresh roll
– Merc Spice Bag: Fried chicken with sautéed capsicum, onion, chili, Merc spices, chips, and Irish curry sauce
Food Trucks
– Vili’s beef pies
– House-made Black Angus beef burgers
– Tayto Potato Chips (available at bars and retail outlets)
For further information, imagery, or media requests, please contact:
Australian Turf Club | ereynolds@australianturfclub.com.au | +61 412 692 352
Lyndell Blair – PR and Communications Executive | Australian Turf Club | lblair@australianturfclub.com.au | +61 413 538 300