When the Cup is Over Come and See if the Slipper Fits

SYDNEY, October 24, 2011 /PRNewswire/ --

SYDNEY CARNIVAL - APRIL 2012

Following the conclusion of the Spring Racing Carnival the racing spotlight firmly turns to Sydney as anticipation builds in the lead up to the 2012 Sydney Carnival featuring the AAMI Golden Slipper to be held on the first Saturday in April.

As the sporting, entertainment, fashion and social hub of Sydney's autumn, the Sydney Carnival promises an unrivalled racing program featuring time-honoured racing classics across four fabulous Saturdays - AAMI Golden Slipper Day, David Jones Australian Derby Day, Doncaster Day and Schweppes Sydney Cup Day.

Tickets go on sale for all four events via - http://www.thesydneycarnival.com.au - tomorrow, Tuesday 25 October.  General admission tickets are $A40 however 'early-bird' purchasers receive a $10 discount per ticket.

Racing NSW Chief Executive, Peter V'landys, said Sydney Carnival is a stand out event for its racing and entertainment and encourages everyone to come and experience the thrill of it.

"Sydney Carnival is a highly prestigious event held in one of the world's greatest locations. It is at the heart of the thoroughbred racing and NSW events calendars and April is a wonderful time of year in Sydney to enjoy it," said Mr. V'landys.

"The Carnival provides a truly thrilling experience on and off the track whether your focus is the running of world's richest race for two-year-olds on AAMI Golden Slipper Day or the glamour of the 151st AJC Australian Derby."

"Sydney Carnival is well supported locally and through our partnership with Destination NSW we're looking forward to welcoming a growing interstate and international crowd in 2012 with our flagship event, the AAMI Golden Slipper held on the Easter holiday weekend," he said.

Australian Turf Club CEO Darren Pearce added, "We are looking forward to another fabulous Sydney Carnival in 2012 and our partnership goes from strength to strength. I encourage racegoers to book early, especially for events at Royal Randwick, which will have reduced capacity through the Carnival due to our world class Grandstand redevelopment."

The Sydney Carnival is staged by the Australian Turf Club and has been created through a partnership between Racing NSW, Australian Turf Club, Destination NSW, Inglis and Tabcorp.  

Sydney Carnival events include:

Saturday 7 April 2012 - AAMI Golden Slipper Day (Easter Saturday)
Rosehill Gardens Racecourse, Sydney

AAMI Golden Slipper Day is Sydney's racing event of the year, featuring the world's richest race for two-year-olds, the AAMI Golden Slipper ($3.5 million; 1200m2YO). It's all about style, speed and prestige as the best young thoroughbreds in Australia and New Zealand battle it out for a slice of the richest day of racing on the Australian calendar which also features the classic weight for age championship The BMW ($2.25 million; 2400m; weight-for-age) among five revered Group 1 races.

Saturday 14 April 2012 - David Jones Australian Derby Day
Royal Randwick Racecourse, Sydney

See racing and fashion at its finest at the time honoured, celebrity filled David Jones Australian Derby Day at Royal Randwick. The racing features the 151st running of the $1.5 million AJC Australian Derby. It is also Sydney's trackside social event of the year where the glamorous Fashions on the Field Competition sets the standard for Autumn Racing fashion.

Saturday 21 April 2012 - Doncaster Day
Royal Randwick Racecourse, Sydney

Traditionally a punters' day, racegoers are guaranteed an exceptional blockbuster day that features The Doncaster, over the classic mile ($2 million; 1600m) and the AJC Oaks ($550,000; 2400m).

Saturday 28 April 2012 - Schweppes Sydney Cup Day
Royal Randwick Racecourse, Sydney

It's time to party at the Sydney Carnival finale. Experience top class racing including the Group 1 Queen Elizabeth Stakes and Schweppes Sydney Cup offering a combined $2.3 million in prize money. The day is one for young and old, featuring vibrant trackside entertainment in a more relaxed atmosphere making it a perfect day to enjoy with friends or the whole family.

Due to the venue redevelopment at Royal Randwick tickets are strictly limited for David Jones Australian Derby Day, Doncaster Day and Schweppes Sydney Cup Day.  A sell-out is expected and early booking is highly

recommended.

For information and to book visit - http://www.thesydneycarnival.com.au

Travel packages will be released at -  http://www.thesydneycarnival.com.au/planyourvisit - in December 2011.

To follow Sydney Carnival via social media visit:
http://www.facebook.com/sydneycarnival
http://www.twitter.com/sydney_carnival

For media enquiries, interviews and images contact:  
Francesca Murchie, Racing NSW
Email: fmurchie@racingnsw.com.au
Tel: +61 (0) 2 9551 7653
Mobile: +61 (0) 458 800882