Your guide to the ultimate race day experience at Rosehill Gardens

Rosehill Gardens Racecourse is the premier racecourse in Western Sydney. It’s a grass track that hosts many Group 1 races throughout each season. Arguably the most famous race hosted at Rosehill Gardens is the world’s richest race for two-year-old Thoroughbreds: the $3.5 million Longines Golden Slipper. This race is held every year in March. 

Whether you’re going to the races for the Golden Slipper or one of the many other races at this venue, here is your guide to the ultimate race day experience at Rosehill Gardens.

Get Your Outfit Ready

Fashion has long been a part of the race day experience. For many, it’s more exciting than the actual horse races themselves. To get your outfit ready in one place, head to Westfield Parramatta. There are more than 450 stores for you to browse, ranging from your usual retail outlets to top international and designer brands.

Start with finding a dress by going straight to Review or SHEIKE. Once you know what you’re wearing, visit APM Monaco for your jewellery. Explore Oroton, Mimco, Myer and David Jones for a matching handbag. Make sure you have the right makeup to finish your look by visiting MECCA and Sephora, which have over 100 cosmetic brands to choose from.

For those wanting to wear a suit, visit the House of Albert suit shop for a new fit. Or, if you’re looking for a cheaper option, find a pre-loved item at Anglicare Op Shop on Macquarie Street or the Vinnies and Salvos, both located in North Parramatta.

Where To Watch The Horses

The racetrack is where all the action happens, but a lot builds up to that moment. You can experience that excitement and anticipation at a couple of places before the race: at the Day Stalls and the Parade Ring.

The Day Stalls are where horses are stabled on race day. Horses arrive at least two hours before their event, meaning you have plenty of time to view the horses at these picturesque stalls before you see them race. You’ll find the stalls at the southern end of the Rosehill Gardens Racecourse. 

The Parade Ring is the area where horses meet their jockeys before the race. The horses leave the Day Stalls and are led through the Parade Ring to the Mounting Yard, which is in front of the Members Grandstand at Rosehill Gardens. This is the final chance for racegoers to view the horses, see the jockeys, and become familiar with individual race numbers and silk colours. 

To watch the races themselves, viewers can stand trackside and watch from the fence. This gets you as close as possible to the horses, where you can hear and see them whizz past. For a better perspective of the entire race, find a spot in the JR Fleming Stand. There are places for unreserved general admission as well as members-only access.

Dine In Style

There is a range of places to eat at Rosehill Gardens ranging from food trucks to fine dining. If you’re looking to dine in style, here are a few fabulous options:

Ascot Restaurant offers a bistro-style luncheon and is available to the public. It provides a floor-to-ceiling panoramic view of the track, so you don’t miss a moment of the action. 

Moët & Chandon Champagne Bar is available for members only. It offers a three-course lunch and ATC beverage package. The elegant and modern atmosphere combines with the spectacular views overlooking the home-straight to make the most of your day at the races.

Winning Post Restaurant is the Rosehill racecourse’s signature restaurant. This three-course à la carte menu is open to the public and available at a discounted price for members. At Winning Post, you’ll have panoramic views of the track and Parade Ring.

Create Your Own Vibe

For an even more exclusive experience going to the races, reserve your own private terrace and suite. The Rosehill racecourse suites host up to 25 people with their stunning vantage point of the racecourse. You can create your own atmosphere and tailor the occasion for you and your guests. 

Each suite offers a grazing menu, beverage package, in-suite full wait service, and access to outdoor private undercover balcony and seating.

Keep The Party Going

The night is still young! Celebrate the wins and keep the party going after you leave the racecourse. Parramatta’s vibrant nightlife gives you plenty of venues to choose from. If you drove or don’t want to go too far, walk to the nearby Rosehill Bowling Club for a sundowner. If you’re open to catching a taxi into Parramatta, you’re in for a treat. You can get picture-perfect cocktails at Nick & Nora’s with a rooftop view. Or, if all the excitement at the races has left you hungry, find mouth-watering food within walking distance of the train station at Bayti or Lilymu.

Staycation in Style

If you don’t want the night to end – turn race day into a mini-holiday. You can have a staycation in style with hotels near the racecourse or in downtown Parramatta. Within walking distance of the racecourse, you have the Mercure Hotel, Nesuto Apartment Hotel, and Rydges Hotel. In the CBD, you can book a room at Novotel, Parkroyal or Meriton Suites, to name a few.