A huge revamp of the Sydney Autumn Carnival was announced last year, and in 2014, this new-look event is bigger and better than ever before. The NSW Government stepped in to help by providing a whopping $10 million in funding to help with this year’s event, which runs from 22 March until 26 April. Racing is a huge draw for out of town, out of state and overseas tourists, and the new Sydney Autumn Carnival is expected to generate $41 million for the local economy. With more than $20 million in prize money to be won and a huge number of races, the Sydney Autumn Carnival will provide a full month of excitement! Let’s take a look at the revamped carnival and some of the exciting events that you won’t want to miss.

The Championships: Ten Championship Races, Two Weekends

Randwick racecourse will play host to a new series called The Championships, which will take place across two consecutive weekends in April – Saturday the 12 and Saturday the 19. The venture is a joint effort between racing club giants Racing NSW and the Australian Turf Club. With a huge array of horse races that punters have grown to love over the years, The Championships is going to be a great event for all, and this time around, it’s bigger than ever. The Championships races are now some of the richest races in the world, having received a massive cash injection. The Queen Elizabeth Stakes will be worth $4 million, making it the richest 2000m race in the world, while the Doncaster Mile is now the richest mile race, and will be worth $3 million. The TJ Smith Stakes is worth $2.5 million, making it the richest open sprint race in the world, and the Australian Derby is now the richest derby in Australia at $2 million.

Not Just Another Melbourne

Some detractors are already concerned that the Sydney Autumn Carnival will be trying hard to compete (and beat) the Melbourne Carnival, which happens each spring. Racing NSW chairman John Messara said in a press statement that Sydney was not trying to compete, but simply wishes to host a successful horseracing event. Messara hopes that the event’s large prizes will tempt more jockeys from around the country and around the globe to visit Sydney during the carnival.

Golden Slipper Still a Hot Ticket

Racing NSW and the Australian Turf Club may be saying in with the new, but they’re still holding onto time-honoured races such as the Golden Slipper, which will still be held during the Sydney Autumn Carnival. There will be three race days before The Championships, held at Rosehill Racecourse. The Golden Slipper, a $3.5 million race, will be one of the races to watch this year – make sure you place your bets with plenty of time to spare.

The Sydney autumn racing season is going to come alive with the Autumn Carnival and its new look. With the backing of the NSW Government and the top NSW racing clubs – not to mention the adoring public – this new carnival will be the talk of the town for weeks and months to come. Make sure that when the top races come around, you’re in it to win it.