The 2026 Spring racing season is galloping toward its peak with Australia’s richest race, The Everest set to break yet another crowd record and deliver significant horsepower to NSW’s economy, employment and entertainment.
The pinnacle race day of the eight-week carnival, which features two of Australia’s most prestigious races, will pack them in at Royal Randwick Racecourse on Saturday, 17 October.
Main race The Everest is Australia’s richest race on turf with prizemoney of $20 million, set to celebrate its 10th running this year.
The Everest is a showcase of the NSW racing industry and a major contributor to the state’s economy, drawing audiences from across the globe.
The race supports thousands of jobs across hospitality and racing operations, attracts international attention and investment and race-day alone is expected to generate at least $30 million in economic activity in Sydney.
Racing NSW has also confirmed Everest Day has already sold out, with a record 52,000 tickets sold – 2,000 more than last year’s then record attendance.
The day also features the $2m Kosciuszko, the richest race for country horses showcasing our state’s regional equine talent and the dedication of trainers and owners from the bush.
The Everest attracts a young, vibrant crowd with world class entertainment held after the event, underscoring Sydney’s reputation as Australia’s premier destination for major events, setting the benchmark for global sporting and cultural spectacles.
The NSW Government supports a competitive, responsible and sustainable racing industry and events like the Everest Racing Carnival deliver long-term benefits that ripple far out from Sydney to benefit the economies of regional and rural communities across the state.
Minister for Gaming and Racing David Harris said:
“How good’s the Everest!
“Now in its 10th year, the richest race on turf continues to attract locals and visitors in their tens of thousands and creates a flow-on effect for local businesses, hotels, bars and restaurants to supercharge our state’s economy.
“The Everest Racing Carnival showcases NSW racing excellence and reinforces Sydney’s status as a global racing and entertainment destination.
“The Kosciuszko will yet again put country racing in lights on the big day, supporting regional economies, lifting the profile of bush-based trainers and owners, and inspiring a wave of new racing fans across NSW.”
Racing NSW Chairman Dr Saranne Cooke said:
“When The Everest burst onto the scene in 2017 we had high expectations that it would be successful. But it has exceeded even our wildest expectations. It has been a game changer for the racing industry and is now a major event that Sydney can be proud of.
“With $87 million of prizemoney on offer across the carnival from Randwick to Rosehill, to Newcastle and Kembla Grange, Spring Racing in NSW is driving economic benefits for NSW.”
Business Sydney Executive Director Paul Nicolaou said:
“Thoroughbred racing in our city is almost as old as Sydney itself, but the eight-week Spring Carnival capped by the Everest on 17 October is in a class of its own, providing a fantastic boost to the Sydney economy.
“After 10 years of success, the Everest has a life of its own that showcases Sydney to the world and generates huge enthusiasm far and wide.
“It is significant to note that weeks ahead of this glamour race with the world’s richest prize pool, all general admission tickets were sold even before there had been a stroke of marketing of them.
“The spring racing carnival is great for Sydney and adds to the excitement of the best city in the world.”
If anyone is concerned about their gambling or the gambling of someone they know, the NSW Government’s GambleAware provides free and confidential advice and support 24/7. For information go to gambleaware.nsw.gov.au or call 1800 858 858.
