While the racing action may be in Melbourne, the party is at Royal Randwick for 2UE Melbourne Cup Day. Sydney-siders can enjoy the atmosphere and excitement of “the race that stops the nation” among the revellers at Royal Randwick.

Melbourne Cup Day in Sydney has become a key day for corporate hospitality, and, given good weather, the Australian Jockey Club (AJC) is expecting a crowd in excess of 40,000 people. On the track, the AJC will host a nine-race program, with Melbourne’s races live on the big screens, including the Melbourne Cup at 3.10pm.

Off-track action sees race-goers with the chance to win more than $50,000 worth of prizes in Emirates Fashions on the Field. Royal Randwick will also host the final of the 2004 Jim Beam Inside Sport Model Search and top Australian band, Mental as Anything, will perform live.

A free return express bus service will operate between Royal Randwick and Central Station on Tuesday, November 2. The service to the racecourse will commence from Chalmers Street at Central Station from approximately 9am, departing every 10 minutes. From Royal Randwick, buses will depart Alison Road from 3.15pm. A free service will also operate to Coogee, departing Darley Road from 3.15pm.

The AJC is asking party-goers to take a moment from sipping champagne to sign a petition relating to the State Government’s recent sale of the bus and taxi drop-off point near the corner of Alison Road and Doncaster Avenue. The petition will be handed around during the day and by signing it, patrons are opposing private development and supporting a safe and practical arrival and departure zone.

All AJC members and the public are welcome to attend the Melbourne Cup Call of the Card on Sunday, October 31. Hosted by Richard Callander, Sydney’s leading bookmakers will lay fixed odds at the Randwick Betting Auditorium at 1pm.

2UE Melbourne Cup Day
Royal Randwick Racecourse
Tuesday, November 2
Gates open: 10am
First race: 11.40am
General admission: $25

AJC Media Release Published 28/10/04