The Everest race kicks off at Royal Randwick on October 19
- Tens of thousands of racegoers attended the 2024 Everest at Royal Randwick, which is billed as the world's richest race on turf, attracting nearly 50,000 attendees.
- Attendees consumed over 10,000 cocktail pies and 14,000 food plates, with an estimated 500,000 drinks being served.
- Despite a strict dress code for members, younger attendees had a more casual approach, while speculation around a potential royal appearance heightened interest in the event.
On October 19, 2024, Sydney hosted the 2024 Everest, the world’s richest turf race, at the Royal Randwick Racecourse. This highly anticipated event attracted an impressive crowd of nearly 50,000 racegoers who eagerly flocked to the venue to enjoy a day filled with racing and socializing. Starting from 10 am, attendees placed their bets and engaged in festivities leading up to the main race scheduled for 4:15 pm. Participants spanned various ages and backgrounds, all dressed for the occasion. Attendees indulged in a remarkable amount of food and beverages, with over 10,000 cocktail pies and 14,000 plates of food expected to be consumed alongside an astonishing half a million drinks. While the event was formal for some members, general admission attendees were encouraged to dress appropriately but were given more leeway in their attire compared to strict member regulations. Amid the excitement, there was speculation regarding the potential appearance of King Charles, who had an official rest day on his tour of Australia. This uncertainty added to the thrill and prestige surrounding the day’s events, drawing even greater attention from the public. Alongside the Everest race, other races like the King Charles III Stakes and The Kosciuszko also took place, marking a significant day in Australia’s racing calendar. The combination of high-profile races, the lively social atmosphere, and the extravagant engagement of attendees showed the enduring popularity and prominence of horse racing in Australian culture.