Entry Process
Across each eligible raceday at Royal Randwick, racegoers are invited to register at the dedicated Fashion Stakes Entry Point, where their photo will be taken and their entry submitted for judging.
Once entries close, a Top 10 from each category will take to the runway to compete in the live heats. Our judges will then select 2 finalists from each category to progress to the Fashion Stakes Grand Finale, held on Moët & Chandon Spring Champion Stakes Day.
At each eligible raceday at Rosehill Gardens, we’ll introduce Wildcard Entries, with our roving fashion expert searching for standout style. Two entrants from each category will earn an automatic place in the Grand Finale.
The Grand Finale will bring together the Top 12 finalists in each category, where a live judging panel will crown the 2026 Sydney Everest Carnival Best Dressed and Best Suited winners.
Racedays & Times
Royal Randwick
A dedicated Fashion Stakes Entry Point will operate at the following racedays at Royal Randwick, located adjacent to the Theatre of the Horse:
- Sydney Surf to Turf Day – Saturday 19 September
- TAB Epsom Day – Saturday 3 October
- TAB Everest Day – Saturday 17 October
- Moët & Chandon Spring Champion Stakes Day – Saturday 24 October
Registrations will close at 2.00pm on each raceday, with the exception of Moët & Chandon Spring Champion Stakes Day, where entries will close at 1.00pm ahead of the Grand Finale.
Live heats commence from 3:00pm on each raceday, except for Moët & Chandon Spring Champion Stakes Day, when they commence from 2:00pm. The Grand Finale will take place immediately following the live heats. All times are subject to change.
Rosehill Gardens
A roving Fashion Stakes expert will be searching the course for standout Wildcard Entries at the following racedays at Rosehill Gardens:
- Yulong Golden Rose Day – Saturday 26 September
- Hill Stakes Day – Saturday 10 October
Successful Wildcard Entries will be advised by 2.00pm each day.
Categories
Best Dressed
Best Dressed celebrates a well-styled raceday outfit that reflects both personal flair and elegance, excluding traditional suiting. The outfit should incorporate millinery and complementary accessories such as jewellery, shoes, bag, or gloves.
Best Suited
Best Suited honours coordinated and polished ensembles featuring a matching or complementary jacket and trousers, or jacket and skirt. The outfit should incorporate accessories such as headwear, ties, pocket squares, jewellery, shoes, bag, or gloves.
Judging Criteria
Entrants will be assessed based on the following key elements:
• Originality & Style: unique interpretation of racewear that showcases personal style
• Seasonal & Raceday Appropriateness: Tailoring looks to Spring and the racing environment
• Styling & Accessories: Thoughtful coordination of headwear, footwear, accessories and grooming
• Fit & Finish: Attention to tailoring, garment quality and overall presentation
• Confidence & Presentation: How the entrant carries themselves and presents their look on the day
DONNY GALELLA – MC
We are excited to announce celebrity fashion stylist, Donny Galella as Master of Ceremonies for our live Fashion Stakes heats this Sydney Everest Carnival.
A familiar face on Australian morning television for the past 15 years, Donny has a passion for helping people look and feel their best.
Donny has become one of Australia’s most in-demand fashion stylists, dressing clients for some of the world’s most prestigious red carpets, including the Cannes Film Festival, Academy Awards, Golden Globes, Emmy Awards, Logie Awards, AACTA Awards, ARIA Awards, Brownlow Medal and Dally M Awards. He has worked with a long list of both international and Australian stars including the likes of Drew Barrymore, LeAnn Rimes and Deborah Mailman, cementing his reputation as one of Australia’s most experienced and respected names in fashion and styling.
Judges
Sydney Surf to Turf Day
Pip Edwards
Fashion Designer and Creative Director
TAB Epsom Day
Chantelle Ford
Ford Millinery Founder
TAB Everest Day
TBC
Moët & Chandon Spring Champion Stakes Day
TBC
Moët & Chandon Spring Champion Stakes Day
TBC
Moët & Chandon Spring Champion Stakes Day
TBC
Prizing
Best Dressed
• Private commissioned Custom Gown and Millinery Piece by Only One Ashley, valued at $9,000
• $2,500 Cerrone Voucher
• Penfolds Grange, valued at $1,000
• $1,000 David Jones Voucher
• $1,000 M.J. Bale Voucher
• $1,000 Pasduchas Voucher
• $1,000 Farage Voucher
• $1,000 Carla Zampatti Voucher
• Moët & Chandon Imperial Brut Magnum, valued at $233
Best Suited
• $2,500 Cerrone Voucher
• 2x Tickets to the TAB Suite for Foo Fighters: Take Cover Tour, valued at $1,600
• Penfolds Grange, valued at $1,000
• $1,000 David Jones Voucher
• $1,000 M.J. Bale Voucher
• $1,000 Pasduchas Voucher
• $1,000 Farage Voucher
• $1,000 Carla Zampatti Voucher
• Moët & Chandon Imperial Brut Magnum, valued at $233
Moët & Chandon Spring Champion Stakes Day
Royal Randwick
Saturday, 24th October 2026 More Information
