Here’s Why You Won’t Want to Miss the Sydney Racing Carnival 2014

Horse breeding, training, and racing have been a part of the Australian way of life for many years, and have also become an integral part of the community and enjoyment of life in Sydney. With the Sydney Racing Carnival taking place each year, punters, trainers, and horse enthusiasts alike have a common reason to get together and enjoy some exciting action on the track. Though horse fans are brought out of the woodwork each year with the Sydney Carnival, there’s a heightened anticipation and excitement in the air over this year’s racing carnival. Here’s why you won’t want to miss the Sydney Racing Carnival 2014.

Richer Races: On Par With the Melbourne Spring

At the end of 2013, an exciting change was announced regarding the Sydney Racing Carnival that would enhance the event and bring it up to par with the illustrious Melbourne Spring: a large cash injection. With more opportunities to expand, the Sydney Carnival quickly underwent a rebranding in time for 2014, and with enough gusto to attract some of the best international runners.

With a healthy financial kickback of $10 million from the state government, the Championships Stakes, held annually at Royal Randwick, was reappointed to be held over two consecutive Saturdays. The Queen Elizabeth Stakes, which previously offered $500,000 in prize money, was transformed to a $4 million race, making it the richest 2000-metre race in the world. Prize money on the Doncaster Mile was also increased from $2 million to over $3 million, and the TJ Smith Stakes became the richest open sprint with an increase in winnings to $2.5 million.

Rebranding: Traditionally Exciting Events With a Twist

With richer races and more money to spend, the rebranding of the Sydney Carnival is beneficial to all, making it a more enjoyable and exciting event to attend. The traditional stakes will remain the same, but with the rebranding, which was hosted as “The BMW Sydney Carnival,” the spring Carnival saw themes like Schweppes Stakes Day, Tooheys New Golden Slipper Day, and Longines Queen Elizabeth Stakes.

Myer Fashions on the Field, with support from Vogue, Sunday Style, and GQ, will be held again this year, giving the most fashionably dressed racegoers—both male and female—the opportunity to win a $500 Myer gift card.

A New Treat: Little Sydney Culinary Event

Another new addition to the 2014 Sydney Carnival is the Little Sydney event, which will be particularly exciting for your taste buds. Two consecutive Saturdays bring with them top chefs and venues in Sydney for the ultimate dining experience, making the Sydney Carnival a truly world-class event.

With more money available for winning, both for the horses in the race and the horse enthusiasts in the stands, the 2014 Sydney Carnival is arguably the most exciting in its class, and will certainly host the most exciting events of recent years. Novelty paired with traditional successes make this year’s Sydney Carnival well worth your attendance. If you missed the hype and excitement of the Spring Carnival, be sure to do the opposite come Autumn, and get in on the undeniable novelty and excitement!