NSW Premier Barry O'Farrell and Minister for Tourism, Major Events and Racing George Souris today helped launch Sydney's major autumn thoroughbred racing event, the 2013 BMW Sydney Carnival, which will inject millions into the state's economy.
14 March 2013The Sydney Carnival is a key event on Sydney's major events calendar and will attract tens of thousands of racegoers from throughout NSW, interstate and abroad over six action-packed weekends.
“For the next six weeks the focus of Australian racing will be on Sydney,” Mr O’Farrell said.
“The BMW Sydney Carnival features a line-up of feature races equal to anywhere in the world - there are 49 Group and Listed races and more than $20 million on offer in prize money.
“This outstanding autumn racing carnival will run over six consecutive Saturdays - from March 23 to April 27 - featuring three weeks of racing, entertainment and fashion at Rosehill Gardens followed by three more weeks at Royal Randwick.
“Major events are a key plank of our strategy to rebuild and grow the NSW economy - the Sydney Carnival is part of a blockbuster year for major sporting events in Sydney which includes two State of Origin matches, the British & Irish Lions tour and Manchester United’s only match in Australia.”
Mr Souris said the Sydney Carnival has something to excite everyone.
“The six Saturday race days will kick off at Rosehill Gardens on March 23 with Ladies Day, followed by Rosehill Guineas Day on Easter Saturday, and concluding on April 6 with Golden Slipper Day, the world’s richest race for two-year-old thoroughbreds offering prize money of $3.5 million,” Mr Souris said.
“The second half of the carnival will then move to Royal Randwick on April 13 with Australian Derby Day, followed by Doncaster Day on April 20, and concluding with Sydney Cup Day on April 27 including its signature race over 3,200 metres.
“The carnival will also include the Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale featuring the cream of the thoroughbred yearling crop from leading Australia and New Zealand breeders, to be held on April 9, 10 and 11 between the Golden Slipper and Derby weekends at the Inglis’ Newmarket Complex at Randwick.
“Thoroughbred racing contributes about $160 million each year in state wagering taxes and provides full and part-time employment opportunities for about 50,000 people, including in regional NSW.
“The NSW Government recognises and values the significant social and economic contributions that racing makes to our State and is committed to working hard to ensure the integrity and viability of the industry.
“NSW is home to 137 registered thoroughbred race clubs covering metropolitan, provincial and country areas and playing host to 742 race meetings, 5,286 races and offering combined prize money of $118.96 million,” Mr Souris said.
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