This year’s The TAB Everest has all the hallmarks of being one of the greatest racedays in Australian Turf history.

And early ticket sales for the showpiece meeting – headlined by the 10th staging of the $20m The TAB Everest – is trending towards a record crowd packing into Royal Randwick on Saturday, October 17.

In yet another illustration of the soaring popularity of the re-energised Sydney Spring Carnival, general admission sales are up an eye-watering 55 per cent from the same time last year.

Demand for corporate hospitality has also surged with premium offerings for The TAB Everest meeting already sold out.

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Such has been the frenetic pace of ticket sales, The TAB Everest Day is expected to be a “sellout” a month out from the marquee day of racing in October.

Racing NSW acting chief executive Graeme Hinton said: “This is the 10th year of The TAB Everest and it gets bigger and better every year.”

“No other racing event anywhere on earth attracts such a young crowd and it’s no surprise that it is the hottest ticket in town,” Mr Hinton said.

Australian Turf Club (ATC) boss Steve McMahon said the figures – still two months shy of Sydney’s signature raceday – reflects the unbridled success The TAB Everest has been for NSW racing.

“The response from racing fans has been extraordinary and it’s clear people don’t want to miss out,” Mr McMahon said.

“The message is simple: Be Here For It. The TAB Everest isn’t just a race, it’s one of Australia’s most exciting sporting and entertainment events and fans want to be part of it.

“We’re seeing people lock in their tickets earlier than ever before and that’s a terrific sign for Sydney, for racing and for everyone who enjoys world-class events.”

A record crowd of 50,167 packed into Royal Randwick to witness Hong Kong champion Ka Ying Rising roar away with last year’s The TAB Everest.

And while the world’s best sprinter will be back to defend his crown, ensuring another record international contingent, he won’t be the only superstar on show, with glamour girls Autumn Glow and Sheza Alibi on track for a potential mouth-watering clash in the Group 1 King Charles III Stakes (1609m).

Officials are expecting last year’s record crowd figure to tumble once more with some looming announcements to ensure more people than ever before flock in to be trackside and witness a further slice of racing history.

“The TAB Everest continues to grow and we’re looking at ways we can create even more experiences for racegoers by activating new spaces and delivering new entertainment opportunities across the venue,” Mr McMahon added.

“We’re also developing a fresh food and beverage offering that captures the energy, creativity and style of modern Sydney.”

In 2025, Racing NSW made the bold call to shift the $10m Golden Eagle from Rosehill Gardens to Royal Randwick.

Early ticket sales for the 2026 edition is going a long way to justifying that decision with general admission sales up a staggering 233 per cent from this time last year.

Hinton said the newly-minted Group 1 race has proven to be hugely successful for the industry since its inception in 2019.

“The Golden Eagle has quickly established itself as one of the world’s most important races and has now secured its rightful status as a Group 1 race.”