The Sydney Spring Racing Carnival lights up Randwick and Rosehill every year with world‑class Group racing, huge prize money, and headline acts like The Everest and the Golden Eagle. Punters get eight massive weeks of action, stacked with feature races, rising stars, and big betting plays — and Ladbrokes has every market covered.
Ladbrokes Tip: Many Sydney Spring Carnival contenders continue onto the Melbourne Spring majors! Keep this in mind for your futures betting on the big Group 1 races of the season!
Major Sydney Spring Racing Carnival Dates & Calendar
| Race Day | Racecourse | Feature Races |
|---|---|---|
| Saturday August 22, 2026 | Royal Randwick | Winx Stakes (G1), Silver Shadow Stakes (G2) |
| Saturday September 5, 2026 | Royal Randwick | Chelmsford Stakes (G2), Concorde Stakes (G2), Tramway Stakes (G2), Furious Stakes (G2) |
| Saturday September 12, 2026 | Rosehill Gardens | Run To The Rose (G2), Theo Marks Stakes (G2), Sheraco Stakes (G2) |
| Saturday September 19, 2026 | Royal Randwick | 7 Stakes (G2), The Shorts (G2), Tea Rose Stakes (G2) |
| Saturday September 26, 2026 | Rosehill Gardens | Golden Rose (G1), Golden Pendant (G2), Shannon Stakes (G2) |
| Saturday October 3, 2026 | Royal Randwick | Epsom Handicap (G1), The Metropolitan (G1), Flight Stakes (G1), Premiere Stakes (G2) |
| Saturday October 10, 2026 | Rosehill Gardens | Hill Stakes (G2), Gloaming Stakes (G3), Roman Consul Stakes (G2), Alan Brown Stakes (G3) |
| Saturday October 17, 2026 | Royal Randwick | The Everest (G1), King Charles III Stakes (G1), The Kosciuszko, Sydney Stakes (G3) |
| Saturday October 24, 2026 | Royal Randwick | Spring Champion Stakes (G1), The Invitation (G2), Callander-Presnell (G3), Craven Plate (G2) |
| Saturday October 31, 2026 | Royal Randwick | Golden Eagle (G1), Russell Balding Stakes (G2), Rosehill Gold Cup |
| Tuesday November 3, 2026 | Royal Randwick | The Big Dance |
| Saturday November 7, 2026 | Rosehill Gardens | Five Diamonds, Golden Gift (G3), Hot Danish Stakes (G2) |
Latest Sydney Spring Racing Carnival News
What is the Sydney Spring Racing Carnival?
The Sydney Spring Racing Carnival is a major racing series held across Royal Randwick and Rosehill Gardens from late August through November. It features a mix of Group 1 sprints, mile tests, staying features, and rich restricted races including the $20 million Everest and $10 million Golden Eagle.
Now equally as famous as its Victorian counterpart – the Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival – each year from August to October the top tracks in New South Wales host elite level Sydney spring races and with huge prize money on offer, the best stables in Australia and abroad target these races every year.
Complete Sydney Spring Racing Carnival Race Day Calendar
Major Race Days – See below for the full breakdown of the major Group 1 Race Days held throughout the Sydney Spring Racing Carnival.
Missile Stakes Day 2026
Date: Saturday, August 8, 2026
Racecourse: Randwick
Feature Races:
- Group 2 $300,000 Missile Stakes (1200m)
Missile Stakes Day held on a Saturday in early August is the first big race meeting leading up to the Sydney Spring Racing Carnival Group 1s with sprinters facing off at weight-for-age conditions in the Missile Stakes.
The Rosebud Day 2026
Date: Saturday, August 15, 2026
Racecourse: Rosehill
Feature Races:
- Listed $200,000 The Rosebud (1200m)
The Rosebud for Golden Rose-bound three-year-olds runs as the feature event on its own race card at Rosehill Gardens in mid-August.
Winx Stakes Day 2026
Date: Saturday, August 22, 2026
Racecourse: Randwick
Feature Races:
- Group 1 $1,000,000 Winx Stakes (1400m)
- Group 2 $300,000 Silver Shadow Stakes (1200m)
- Group 3 $250,000 Show County Quality (1200m)
- Group 3 $250,000 Toy Show Quality (1100m)
- Group 3 $250,000 Premier’s Cup (2000m)
Kicking off Group 1 racing for the Sydney Spring Racing Carnival, the recently upgraded Group 1 $1 million Winx Stakes is named in honour of champion mare Winx who took out the race in 2016 and 2017 when it was known as the Warwick Stakes before becoming a three-time champ in 2018. Winx Stakes Day traditionally runs on a Saturday in late August at Randwick and is headlined by the weight-for-age Winx Stakes, which features a field of horses heading towards the Group 1 King Charles III Stakes (1600m) – which was known as the George Main Stakes up until 2023. The key support act is the Group 2 Silver Shadow Stakes, a race for three-year-old fillies targeting the Princess Series of Races including the Group 1 Flight Stakes (1600m) in October.
San Domenico Stakes Day 2026
Date: Saturday, August 29, 2026
Racecourse: Rosehill
Feature Races:
- Group 3 $250,000 San Domenico Stakes (1100m)
- Group 3 $250,000 Up And Coming Stakes (1300m)
Rosehill hosts another of the early Group Spring Carnival meetings at the end of August with a field of returning three-year-olds facing off in the San Domenico Stakes on way to bigger assignments over the coming weeks. Genuine superstars have won the race including Japonisme (2015) who went on to win Flemington’s Coolmore Stud Stakes that Melbourne Cup Carnival. San Domencio Stakes Day is now also home to Group 3 Up And Coming Stakes (1300m).
Wyong Gold Cup Day 2026
Date: Friday, September 4, 2026
Racecourse: Wyong
Feature Races:
- Listed $250,000 Wyong Gold Cup (2100m)
- Group 3 $250,000 Mona Lisa Stakes (1350m)
Wyong Gold Cup Day traditionally runs on the first Friday of September and is headlined by the Wyong Gold Cup for Sydney stayers heading towards upcoming features including The Metropolitan on Epsom Handicap Day. The Wyong Gold Cup race also offers The Big Dance eligibility. It also features the recently upgraded Mona Lisa Stakes which holds Group 3 status as of 2025.
Chelmsford Stakes Day 2026
Date: Saturday, September 5, 2026
Racecourse: Randwick
Feature Races:
- Group 2 $1,000,000 Concorde Stakes (1000m)
- Group 2 $300,000 Chelmsford Stakes (1600m)
- Group 2 $300,000 Furious Stakes (1200m)
- Group 2 $300,000 Tramway Handicap (1400m)
Chelmsford Stakes Day in early September hosts three Group 2 races including the weight-for-age Chelmsford Stakes contested over the mile and contested by King Charles III-bound gallopers. The three-year-old fillies continue on the Princess Series in the Furious Stakes, while the Tramway Handicap hosts gallopers looking at a possible Epsom Handicap run at Randwick in October. Currently the richest race on Chelmsford Stakes Day is the Group 2 Concorde Stakes with The Everest lead-up offering a staggering $1 million and upgraded to a Group 2 event in 2026.
Run To The Rose Day 2026
Date: Saturday, September 12, 2026
Racecourse: Rosehill
Feature Races:
- Group 2 $300,000 The Run To The Rose (1200m)
- Group 2 $300,000 Theo Marks Stakes (1300m)
- Group 2 $300,000 Sheraco Stakes (1200m)
- Group 3 $250,000 Ming Dynasty Quality (1400m)
The Run To The Rose Day is host to the traditional Group 2 lead-up into the coveted $1 million Group 1 Golden Rose Stakes (1400m), the autumn’s richest Sydney race for 3YOs held in September back at Rosehill Gardens. From 2012 – 2016 all five Golden Rose winners came via the Run To The Rose including Hallowed Crown (2014), Exosphere (2015) and Astern (2016) who all completed the double. Bivouac (2019) meanwhile was the last horse to do the Run To The Rose – Golden Rose double.
Newcastle Gold Cup Day 2026
Date: Friday, September 18, 2026
Racecourse: Newcastle
Feature Races:
- Group 3 $300,000 Newcastle Gold Cup (2300m)
- Group 3 $250,000 Cameron Handicap (1500m)
- Group 3 $250,000 Tibbie Stakes (1400m)
Newcastle Gold Cup Day at Broadmeadow Racecourse was previously the only stand-alone Sydney Spring Racing Carnival feature race day held outside of Rosehill Gardens or Royal Randwick until the addition of the $1 million The Hunter (Newcastle) and $1 million The Gong (Wollongong) in 2019. It is headlined by the stayers facing off in the Newcastle Gold Cup, one of the most famous winners of which was Green Moon (2011) who won the following year’s Melbourne Cup.
The Shorts Day 2026
Date: Saturday, September 19, 2026
Racecourse: Randwick
Feature Races:
- Group 2 $1,000,000 The Shorts (1100m)
- Group 2 $1,000,000 7 Stakes (1600m)
- Group 2 $300,000 Tea Rose Stakes (1400m)
- Group 3 $300,000 Kingston Town Stakes (2000m)
- Group 3 $250,000 Bill Ritchie Handicap (1400m)
With the George Main Stakes renamed and rescheduled ahead of the 2023 edition The Shorts is now headlining its own feature race day in mid-September. The sprint offers $1 million in prize money and serves as a key lead-up to the $20 million the Everest the following month. Added to the card for the first time in 2023, the $1 million 7 Stakes (1600m) replaced the George Main Stakes as the mile feature on the card and offers the winner an Epsom Handicap ballot exemption.
Golden Rose Stakes Day 2026
Date: Saturday, September 26, 2026
Racecourse: Rosehill
Feature Races:
- Group 1 $1,000,000 Golden Rose Stakes (1400m)
- Group 2 $400,000 Golden Pendant (1400m)
- Group 2 $300,000 Shannon Stakes (1500m)
- Group 3 $250,000 Colin Stephen Quality (2400m)
- Gorup 3 $250,000 Heritage Stakes (1100m)
Another early major of the Sydney Spring Racing Carnival takes place on Golden Rose Stakes Day where the action headlined by the season’s top three-year-olds doing battle in the $1 million Group 1 Golden Rose Stakes (1400m). Previously the Golden Rose Stakes was proceeded by another Rosehill meeting for Golden Pendant Stakes Day, but the two race cards were recently merged making for a bumper day at the Gardens!
Epsom Handicap Day 2026
Date: Saturday, October 3, 2026
Racecourse: Randwick
Feature Races:
- Group 1 $1,500,000 Epsom Handicap (1600m)
- Group 1 $750,000 The Metropolitan (2400m)
- Group 1 $750,000 Flight Stakes (1600m)
- Group 2 $1,000,000 Premiere Stakes (1200m)
- Group 3 $250,000 Gimcrack Stakes (1000m)
- Group 3 $250,000 Breeders’ Plate (1000m)
Epsom Handicap Day traditionally runs on the first Saturday in October at Randwick. It is one of the biggest meetings of the Sydney Spring Racing Carnival featuring three Group 1 races. The $1.5 million Group 1 Epsom Handicap (1600m) hosts the season’s best milers and Sydney’s two top trainers Chris Waller and Gai Waterhouse have dominated the event over the past decade. The stayers do battle in The Metropolitan over the mile-and-and-half, a number going on to contest Melbourne’s Group 1 Caulfield Cup (2400m) later in the month, while the Princess Series comes to its peak with the Flight Stakes over the mile for the fillies. The Group 2 Premiere Stakes is also now worth $1 million in prize money on the card and serves as an important The Everest lead-up.
Hill Stakes Day 2026
Date: Saturday, October 10, 2026
Racecourse: Rosehill
Feature Races:
- Group 2 $2 million Hill Stakes (1900m)
- Group 3 $500,000 Gloaming Stakes (1800m)
- Group 2 $300,000 Roman Consul Stakes (1200m)
- Listed $500,000 Tapp-Craig (1400m)
- Group 3 $250,000 The Nivison (1200m)
- Group 3 $1,500,000 Alan Brown Stakes (1400m)
As of 2023, the Hill Stakes takes place on its own feature race meeting in early October. The Group 2 event for stayers runs over 1900m and is now worth $2 million! The card also features the Group 2 Roman Consul Stakes for The Everest-bound sprinters. Also added to the card that year was the inaugural $500,000 Tapp-Craig (1400m) for three-year-olds that offers the first three placegetters a ballot exemption into the Callander-Presnell (formerly the Stan Fox Stakes). In 2023 another new race joined the Hill Stakes Day line-up with the lucrative $1.5 million Alan Brown Stakes taking place. The Group 3 Gloaming Stakes moved to the card in 2024 as a lead-up into the Spring Champion Stakes.
The Everest Day 2026
Date: Saturday, October 17, 2026
Racecourse: Randwick
Feature Races:
- Group 1 $20,000,000 The Everest (1200m)
- Group 1 $5,000,000 King Charles III Stakes (1600m)
- $2,000,000 The Kosciuszko (1200m)
- Group 3 $2,000,000 Sydney Stakes (1200m)
- Listed $1,000,000 The Silver Eagle (1300m)
- Group 3 $250,000 Angst Stakes (1600m)
- Group 3 $500,000 ATC St Leger Stakes (2600m)
- Group 3 $250,000 Reginald Allen Quality (1400m)
- $160,000 Big Dance Wild Card (1600m)
The Everest Day is now the richest race card in Australia and just keeps getting bigger and better! The mid-October feature meeting at Royal Randwick headlined by the hugely successful The Everest (1200m) which offers $20 million in stakes making it the second richest thoroughbred race (on any surface!) in the world. The Everest is the world’s richest race on turf and offers 12 slot holders the chance to select a sprinter to win them racing’s biggest prize. The Everest gained Group 1 status in 2024. Also on The Everest Day is the Group 1 $5 million King Charles III Stakes (1600m), which was formerly known as the George Main Stakes and held a fortnight before the Epsom Handicap. The most famous recent George Main Stakes winner, before the event was renamed in 2023, was three-time champion Winx who saluted from 2016-18. The Everest Day also features the world’s richest race for country-trained horses with the $2 million The Kosciuszko (1200m) open only to NSW country-trained gallopers. The Group 3 Sydney Stakes for The Everest emergency runners has had its prize money boosted to an incredible $2 million making for a very lucrative day’s racing in Sydney. But it doesn’t stop there! The Silver Eagle also takes place on the same card with the first three four-year-olds over the line exempt from Golden Eagle ballot, and the Silver Eagle gained Group 3 status in 2024. There is also the Big Dance Wild Card event open to any horse that has contested one of the previous Big Dance qualifying races, without having won. The first and second placed horses from the Wild Card race qualify and gain a ballot exemption for the $2 million Big Dance (held in Sydney on Melbourne Cup Day).
Spring Champion Stakes Day 2026
Date: Saturday, October 24, 2026
Racecourse: Randwick
Feature Races:
- Group 1 $2,000,000 Spring Champion Stakes (2000m)
- Group 2 $2 million The Invitation (1400m)
- Group 3 $1 million Callander-Presnell (1600m)
- Group 2 $750,000 Craven Plate (1800m)
- Listed $200,000 Brian Crowley Stakes (1200m)
- Special Conditions $1 million Five Diamonds Prelude (1500m)
Previously the last of the Sydney Spring Racing Carnival feature meetings was Spring Champion Stakes Day before the addition of a host of Special Condition races offering huge prize money including The Everest were added to the program. Spring Champion Stakes Day moved to the end of October in 2022 on the Saturday after The Everest. The meeting is headlined by the three-year-old stayers running over 2000m in the Spring Champion Stakes, many coming off a lead-up run in the Gloaming Stakes at Rosehill earlier in the month, with the Group 1 now worth $2 million after doubling from $1 million in 2022. The other richest race on the program is the now Group 2 $2 million The Invitation race, a set weights plus penalties event open to fillies and mares by invitation-only, run for the first time in 2021. The program now also features the new-look Stan Fox Stakes, the Group 2 event renamed the Callander-Presnell in 2022. Offering $1 million the Callander-Presnell is a set weights event for three-year-olds that replaced the defunct Bondi Stakes race. The $1 million Five Diamonds Prelude for five-year-olds targeting the Five Diamonds race later in the spring.
Golden Eagle Day 2026
Date: Saturday, October 31, 2026
Racecourse: Randwick
Feature Races:
- $10,000,000 Golden Eagle (1500m)
- Group 2 $3,000,000 Russell Balding Stakes (1300m) – formerly the Winners Stakes
- Listed $750,000 Rosehill Gold Cup (2000m)
- $500,000 Four Pillars Midway (1500m)
Yet another multi-million dollar event takes place at Randwick Racecourse (moved from Rosehill in 2025) on the Saturday prior to Melbourne Cup Day with the sole four-years-old feature of the carnival – the $10 million Golden Eagle – stealing the show in Sydney. On the same day Melbourne hosts its VRC Derby Day card at Flemington to kick off the Cup Carnival, but plenty of the punters’ attention will be focused on the Golden Eagle following in the tradition of the Golden Slipper (2yos) and Golden Rose (3yos). Golden Eagle Day also features the $3 million Russell Balding Stakes, which previously ran as the Winners Stakes and was renamed each season in honour of the previous year’s The Everest winner up until 2024. The other headline event on the card is the Rosehill Gold Cup worth $750,000.
The Big Dance on Cup Day 2026
Date: Tuesday, November 3, 2026
Racecourse: Randwick
Feature Races:
- Listed $3 million The Big Dance (1600m)
- $750,000 Little Dance (1600m)
Royal Randwick hosted the inaugural The Big Dance race for qualified Country Cups horses on the first Tuesday of November, the same date is Flemington’s famous Melbourne Cup Day program at HQ, in 2022 to much fanfare. It is now $3 million and draws plenty of punters trackside to Randwick on Australia’s favourite race day.
Five Diamonds Day 2026
Date: Saturday, November 7, 2026
Racecourse: Rosehill
Feature Races:
- Listed $2,000,000 Five Diamonds (1800m)
- Group 3 $1,000,000 Golden Gift (1100m)
- Group 2 $500,000 Hot Danish Stakes (1400m)
Run the Saturday following the Golden Eagle when Melbourne’s Cup Carnival is coming to a close is the $2 million Five Diamonds race for five-year-olds. In 2023 the $1 million Golden Gift for two-year-olds was re-added to the card and it became a Group 3 race in 2024. Also taking place at the meeting is the Hot Danish Stakes worth half-a-million, a race previously known as the Breeders Classic and renamed in honour of classy mare Hot Danish.
The Hunter Day 2026
Date: Saturday, November 14, 2026
Racecourse: Newcastle
Feature Races:
- Group 2 $1,000,000 The Hunter (1300m)
- Group 3 $200,000 Spring Stakes (1600m)
The Hunter Day takes the Sydney Spring Racing Carnival action back out to Newcastle Racecourse with the running of the now Group 2 $1 million The Hunter handicap race for sprinters. Horses out of The Everest may try their hand at a consolation prize in The Hunter over 100m further making for a really exciting sprint event on the outskirts of Sydney. The Hunter race card now features the Group 3 Spring Stakes over the mile for three-year-olds, which was previously run earlier in the carnival on Newcastle Cup Day.
The Gong Day 2026
Date: Saturday, November 21, 2026
Racecourse: Kembla Grange
Feature Races:
After an incredible few months of top-level racing and massive prize money things finally wind-up in Sydney for the spring out at Wollongong with Kembla Grange hosting the now Group 3 $1 million The Gong race for end-of-spring milers chasing the last of the big prize money. The Group 3 $300,000 The Warra (1000m) for the end-of-spring sprinters has also been part of The Gong race day since 2021.
The Sydney Spring Racing Carnival delivers elite racing, massive prize money, and huge betting opportunities every year. With Ladbrokes, punters get early markets, smart products, and full coverage of every feature race across Randwick and Rosehill.
How to Bet on the Sydney Spring Racing Carnival
Punters have plenty of ways to play the Sydney spring with Ladbrokes:
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Top Horses to Follow This Sydney Spring Racing Carnival
The Sydney Spring Racing Carnival always delivers a fresh wave of rising stars, proven Group performers, and headline‑making sprinters targeting the biggest races at Randwick and Rosehill. With major features like the Golden Rose, Epsom Handicap, The Metropolitan, King Charles III Stakes, Golden Eagle, and The Everest, punters get a deep field of talent to track from August through November.
This year’s carnival shapes as one of the strongest in recent memory, with a mix of explosive three‑year‑olds, versatile milers, seasoned stayers, and world‑class sprinters all locked in for major Sydney targets — and a few with predicted paths that could shake up the spring entirely. Below are the top horses to follow, their confirmed targets, and their likely spring trajectories, giving punters a clear guide on who to watch and when to strike.
Guest House — Golden Rose Bound
Guest House is one of the more exciting Sydney Spring Racing Carnival three‑year‑olds, locked in for the Golden Rose Stakes. His early‑season sectionals and strong finishing profile make him a genuine stallion‑making race contender. Expect him to progress through traditional lead‑ups like the Run to the Rose.
Tron Bolt — Golden Rose Contender
Another key Golden Rose hopeful, Tron Bolt brings raw speed and a sharp turn of foot. He profiles as a colt who could peak third‑up, and his camp has hinted at a possible Caulfield Guineas tilt if he explodes in Sydney. For now, all roads lead to Rosehill.
Autumn Glow — Epsom, King Charles III Stakes & Everest Ambitions
Autumn Glow is one of the most versatile and high‑ceiling horses heading into the carnival. Confirmed targets:
- Epsom Handicap
- King Charles III Stakes
Predicted target:
- The Everest
Her ability to sprint and stretch to a mile makes her a rare dual‑threat. If she dominates early, she becomes a legitimate Everest slot contender.
Sheza Alibi — Epsom Handicap & Golden Eagle
Sheza Alibi is shaping as a major Epsom Handicap player with a powerful finish and proven Randwick form. Confirmed targets:
- Epsom Handicap
- Golden Eagle
Her four‑year‑old profile screams Golden Eagle suitability, and she’s the type who improves sharply second‑up.
Autumn Boy — Epsom Handicap & Golden Eagle
Autumn Boy is another dual‑target runner heading towards both the Epsom Handicap and the Golden Eagle. He’s a consistent on‑pace type who handles firm ground, making him ideal for early‑spring Randwick and late‑spring Rosehill.
King Pedro — The Metropolitan
King Pedro is a classic Sydney Spring Racing Carnival stayer, locked in for The Metropolitan. His staying profile suggests he’ll thrive over 2400m, and he may even push on to Melbourne if he peaks here.
Ceolwulf — King Charles III Stakes
Ceolwulf is a rising star targeting the King Charles III Stakes, one of Sydney’s premier WFA mile races. His tactical speed and ability to absorb pressure make him a genuine threat against elite milers.
Pride Of Jenni — High‑Class Spring Campaign
Pride Of Jenni is one of the most recognisable names heading into spring. While her exact Sydney targets vary year‑to‑year, she’s a likely player in:
- King Charles III Stakes
- Possible Cox Plate path (in Melbourne)
- High‑pressure WFA mile races
Her front‑running style always attracts punter interest.
Ka Ying Rising — Everest Aspirant
Ka Ying Rising is a confirmed Everest aspirant having won the event last year, bringing Hong Kong‑style speed and global interest to the carnival for the second year. Confirmed target:
- The Everest
He’s the type of sprinter who can blow races open early, and his international profile adds serious intrigue to the world’s richest turf race.
Feature Sydney Spring Racing Carnival Races
2026 Golden Rose Stakes
The Golden Rose Stakes is the feature three-years-old race of the Rosehill Spring Racing Carnival offering $1 million in prize money. The set weights classic has been won by many champion youngsters, plenty of which continue onto other elite level spring races like the Caulfield Guineas or Coolmore Stud Stakes in Melbourne.
- 2026 Golden Rose Stakes Date: Saturday September 26, 2026
- Track: Rosehill
- Distance: 1400m
- Conditions: 3YOs – Set Weights
- Status: Group 1
- Prize Money: $1 million
- First Prize: $580,000
- Sponsor: Yulong
- First Run: 1978
- Reigning Champion: Beiwacht (2025)
Golden Rose Betting Tip: Fillies have a poor record in the Golden Rose results with Forensics (2008) the last to win!
2026 Epsom Handicap
The Epsom Handicap is one of the headline mile races of the Sydney Spring Carnival and takes place on the same day as the Group 1 The Metropolitan for stayers and the Group 1 Flight Stakes for three-year-old fillies. One of Australia’s great mile handicaps, the time-honoured classic has been won by the likes of Winx (2015) and Hartnell (2018) in recent years.
- 2026 Epsom Handicap Date: Saturday October 3, 2026
- Track: Randwick
- Distance: 1600m
- Conditions: Handicap
- Status: Group 1
- Prize Money: $1.5 million
- First Prize: $870,000
- Sponsor: TAB
- First Run: 1865
- Reigning Champion: Autumn Glow (2025)
Epsom Handicap Betting Tip: Chris Waller trained six of the 12 Epsom Handicap winners from 2013 – 25 most recently Autumn Glow (2025).
2026 King Charles III Stakes
The $5 million King Charles III Stakes replaced George Main Stakes and is now the richest weight-for-age 1600m race of the Randwick Spring Racing Carnival. Trainer Chris Waller has dominated the event over the past decade preparing seven of the nine winners from 2012-2020 including his three-time champion Winx (2016-18). The event was renamed ahead of the 2023 edition and moved from September to mid-October to join the bumper The Everest Day card.
- 2026 King Charles III Stakes Date: Saturday October 17, 2026
- Track: Randwick
- Distance: 1600m
- Conditions: 3YOs & Up – Weight-for-age
- Status: Group 1
- Prize Money: $5 million
- First Prize: $2.95 million
- First Run: 1945
- Reigning Champion: Ceolwulf (2024 & 2025)
King Charles III Stakes Betting Tip: No horse has come off a non-Sydney lead-up into the King Charles III field in over 30 years.
2026 The Everest
The Everest is now the richest turf race in the world worth an unparalleled $20 million. The centrepiece of Sydney’s spring racing calendar, think elite sprinters, huge crowds, massive betting turnover. The race began in 2017 and Redzel won the opening two editions of this Special Conditions feature. There are 12 slots available for connections to buy in The Everest field, and the race has become one of modern-day racing’s great success stories. It now attracts international attention in the spring, while in 2024 it became a Group 1 when Bella Nipotina made history as the first mare to win.
- 2026 The Everest Date: Saturday October 17, 2026
- Track: Randwick
- Distance: 1200m
- Conditions: Weight-for-age
- Status: Group 1
- Prize Money: $20 million
- First Prize: $7 million
- First Run: 2017
- Reigning Champion: Ka Ying Rising (2025)
The Everest Betting Tip: Keep an eye on lead-up sprints both in Australia and overseas including England’s Royal Ascot carnival during our winter for key The Everest contenders!
2026 The Kosciuszko
Another feature special conditions race on The Everest Day is the $2 million The Kosciuszko open only to NSW country-trained horses. It is the richest race in the world for country-trained horses and members of the public can purchase tickets to own a potential share in a The Kosciuszko runner. The subsequent Calcutta draw for The Kosciuszko is the biggest of its kind and hails back to old school bush racing traditions.
- 2026 The Kosciuszko Date: Saturday October 17, 2026
- Track: Randwick
- Distance: 1200m
- Conditions: Set Weights + Penalties (NSW Country-trained horses only)
- Status: Special Conditions
- Prize Money: $2 million
- First Prize: $1 million
- First Run: 2018
- Reigning Champion: Clear Thinking (2025)
The Kosciuszko Betting Tip: Favourites have a gun record in the race with three saluting in the past five years!
2026 The Invitation
The Invitation is one of the latest additions to the Sydney Spring Racing Carnival, the recently created $2 million feature taking place on the same day as the Cox Plate in Melbourne. The race ran for the first time in 2021 and is open only to 12 fillies and mares officially invited to take part in the event. It officially became a Group 2 race in 2024.
- 2026 The Invitation Date: Saturday October 24, 2026
- Track: Randwick
- Distance: 1400m
- Conditions: Fillies & Mares – Set Weights + Penalties (Invitation Only)
- Status: Group 2
- Prize Money: $2 million
- First Prize: $1,000,000
- First Run: 2021
- Reigning Champion: Stefi Magnetica (2025)
The Invitation Betting Tip: Look for the proven Group 1 fillies and mares in the race out of spring lead-ups including the Flight Stakes and the Epsom Handicap both run over the Randwick mile.
2026 The Golden Eagle
The Golden Eagle is a lucrative Sydney feature race of the spring for four-year-old horses offering an incredible $7.5 million in prize money for the inaugural edition in 2019 and now worth $10 million. A unique age‑restricted feature that attracts the best four‑year‑olds in the country, it follows on from the ‘Golden’ name tradition of the Golden Slipper for 2YOs and the Golden Rose for 3YOs. Dubbed “The Golden Slam” there is a $5 million bonus for any horse that can win all three races during their 2 – 4-year-old racing seasons. The lucrative event runs on the Saturday prior to Melbourne Cup Day on the same date as Flemington’s VRC Derby Day. It moved from Rosehill to Randwick in 2025.
- 2026 The Golden Eagle Date: Saturday October 31, 2026
- Track: Randwick
- Distance: 1500m
- Conditions: 4YOs – Set Weights
- Status: Special Conditions
- Prize Money: $10 million
- First Prize: $5.25 million
- First Run: 2019
- Reigning Champion: Autumn Glow (2025)
Golden Eagle Betting Tip: Look for any rising four-year-olds that have beaten the older horses in Group 1 company.
2026 Russell Balding Stakes (Previously Winners Stakes)
The Russell Balding Stakes was previously known as the Winners Stakes and took place for the first time in 2019. From 2019 – 2023 the event was renamed annually in honour of the previous year’s The Everest winner. Ahead of the 2024 edition it was changed to the Russell Balding Stakes in honour of former Racing NSW chairman Russell Balding. The race is the key support act on The Golden Eagle Race Day held in late October or early November annually and offers $3 million in prize money.
- 2026 Russell Balding Stakes Date: Saturday October 31, 2026
- Race Name 2019: Redzel Stakes
- Race Name 2020: Yes Yes Yes Stakes
- Race Name 2021: Classique Legend Stakes
- Race Name 2022: Nature Strip Stakes
- Race Name 2023: Giga Kick Stakes
- Race Name 2024 – Onwards: Russell Balding Stakes
- Track: Randwick
- Distance: 1300m
- Conditions: Set Weights + Penalties
- Status: Special Conditions
- Prize Money: $3 million
- First Prize: $1,725,000
- First Run: 2019
- Reigning Champion: Jimmysstar (2025)
Russell Balding Stakes Betting Tip: Previous The Everest runners make a top tip in this Sydney Spring Carnival sprint!
2026 The Big Dance
The Big Dance is another recent addition to the Sydney Spring Racing Carnival, the $3 million feature taking place on the same day as Flemington’s iconic Melbourne Cup Day meeting on the first Tuesday of November. The race ran for the first time in 2022 and won by Rustic Steel. It is open only to horses who have competed in the elected Country Cups, and The Big Dance race now holds Listed status.
- 2026 The Big Dance Date: Tuesday November 3, 2026
- Track: Randwick
- Distance: 1600m
- Conditions: 3YOS & Upwards who have competed in the elected Country Cup races
- Status: Listed
- Prize Money: $3 million
- First Prize: $1.56 million
- First Run: 2022
- Reigning Champion: Gringotts (2024 & 2025)
The Big Dance Betting Tip: Look for the winners of the standout lead-up Country Cup races, proven milers and those from Sydney’s premier stables.
2026 Five Diamonds
The Five Diamonds is a $2 million feature that ran for the first time in 2022 at Rosehill Gardens. The race is open only to five-year-old runners and takes place over 1800m. Ellsberg won the opening edition of the event that is held on the same date as Melbourne’s Champions Stakes Day program at headquarters. The Five Diamonds race now holds Listed status.
- 2026 Five Diamonds Date: Saturday November 7, 2026
- Track: Rosehill
- Distance: 1800m
- Conditions: 5YOs
- Status: Listed
- Prize Money: $2 million
- First Prize: $1,155,000
- First Run: 2022
- Reigning Champion: Vivy Air (2025)
Five Diamonds Betting Tip: Look for the price on the best five-year-olds out of the $1 million Five Diamonds Prelude (1500m) held on The Everest Day.
Sydney Spring Racing Carnival FAQs
When does the Sydney Spring Racing Carnival start and finish?
The carnival typically begins in late August with the Winx Stakes meeting and runs through to early November, finishing with races like the Five Diamonds and Hot Danish Stakes. Dates vary slightly each year depending on the ATC schedule.
Where is the Sydney Spring Racing Carnival held?
All major Sydney spring races are run at:
- Royal Randwick — home of The Everest, Epsom Handicap, Metropolitan, Flight Stakes
- Rosehill Gardens — home of the Golden Rose, Golden Eagle, Rosehill Gold Cup
Both tracks are operated by the Australian Turf Club (ATC).
What are the biggest races in the Sydney Spring Racing Carnival?
The carnival’s headline races include:
- The Everest (1200m, $20 million)
- Golden Eagle (1500m, $10 million)
- Epsom Handicap (1600m, G1)
- The Metropolitan (2400m, G1)
- Golden Rose Stakes (1400m, G1)
- Flight Stakes (1600m, G1)
These races attract elite horses, major stables, and huge betting interest.
How much prize money is offered during the Sydney Spring Racing Carnival?
Sydney’s spring is one of the richest racing carnivals in the world, with over $50 million in total prize money.
Key purse highlights include:
- The Everest — $20 million
- Golden Eagle — $10 million
- Epsom Handicap — $1.5 million
- The Metropolitan — $750,000
- Golden Rose — $1 million
How do I bet on the Sydney Spring Racing Carnival with Ladbrokes?
Punters can bet on every Sydney spring race through Ladbrokes via:
- Fixed Odds
- Tote Odds
- Same Race Multi
- Price Boost
- Exotics (Quinella, Trifecta, First Four)
- Futures markets for major Group 1s and feature races
Simply log in, browse the race markets, and place your bets.
What betting products are best for the Sydney Spring Racing Carnival?
Ladbrokes punters often use:
- Price Boost for better odds on key runners
- Same Race Multi for combining place/get‑back options
- Mates Mode for group betting on big race days
- Early Markets for locking in value before race day
These products suit high‑quality fields and big‑price fluctuations typical of Sydney’s spring.
What horses should I watch during the Sydney Spring Racing Carnival?
Watch for:
- Elite sprinters targeting The Everest
- Top three‑year‑olds heading to the Golden Rose
- Four‑year‑olds aimed at the Golden Eagle
- Lightweight stayers in The Metropolitan
- Princess Series fillies peaking for the Flight Stakes
- Trial form and early‑spring fitness are crucial in Sydney.
What are the key lead‑up races for the Sydney Spring Carnival features?
Important lead‑ups include:
- The Shorts → The Everest
- Concorde Stakes → The Everest
- Run to the Rose → Golden Rose
- Tea Rose Stakes → Flight Stakes
- Kingston Town Stakes → The Metropolitan
- Silver Eagle → Golden Eagle
These races often determine market movers and early favourites.
Is the Sydney Spring Racing Carnival different from the Melbourne Spring Carnival?
Yes. Sydney’s spring focuses on high‑prize‑money feature races, including The Everest and Golden Eagle, while Melbourne’s spring centres on historic Group 1s like the Caulfield Cup, Cox Plate, and Melbourne Cup. Many horses compete in both carnivals depending on distance targets and stable plans.
What track conditions should punters expect during the Sydney Spring Racing Carnival?
Sydney’s spring often features:
- Firm tracks early in the carnival
- Soft conditions if rain hits in October
- Randwick: long straight, suits strong finishers
- Rosehill: tighter turning track, favours on‑pace runners
Track bias can shift during the day, so monitor early races.
How do scratchings and emergencies work during the Sydney Spring Carnival?
Scratchings are announced race morning or earlier if a horse is withdrawn.
- Early scratchings → markets adjust immediately
- Late scratchings → deductions may apply
- Emergencies gain entry if runners withdraw before the final field is locked
Ladbrokes updates markets in real time.
Can I bet on Sydney Spring Carnival futures markets?
Yes — Ladbrokes offers futures betting on:
- The Everest
- Golden Eagle
- Epsom Handicap
- Metropolitan
- Golden Rose
- Flight Stakes
- And other Group races
Futures markets allow punters to secure early value before fields are finalised.
What are the best betting strategies for the Sydney Spring Racing Carnival?
Punters often use:
- Trial watching — Sydney horses often peak early
- Second‑up profiles — many sprinters improve sharply
- Stable patterns — Waller, Waterhouse/Bott, Maher
- Speed maps — crucial for Rosehill
- Sectional times — key for Everest‑type sprinters
Sydney spring racing rewards punters who follow form closely.
How do I watch the Sydney Spring Racing Carnival?
Races are broadcast via:
- Sky Racing
- Seven Network (selected meetings)
- Ladbrokes Live Streaming (eligible races)
Check Ladbrokes for streaming availability on race day.
What is the richest race in the Sydney Spring Racing Carnival?
The richest race is The Everest, worth $20 million, making it the world’s richest turf race.
Can I attend Sydney Spring Carnival race days?
Yes — tickets are available through the Australian Turf Club. Major days like Everest Day and Golden Eagle Day often sell out early.
Where can I find Sydney Spring Racing Carnival odds?
All odds, futures markets, fixed prices, and exotics are available at Ladbrokes across every race day.