How To Spend a Day at the Races This Winter

Going to the races shouldn’t be an occasion reserved for spring carnival. The cooler weather puts a whole new spin on a day at the track – as diehard racing fans like Krissy Marsh know.

The Australian Turf Club ambassador and Real Housewives of Sydney star grew up in the racing scene and now breeds racehorses. “My family has been involved since I was a very small child. They literally live and breathe it,” Marsh tells Broadsheet. “It doesn’t matter whether it’s spring or autumn, or what carnival is on, every weekend Saturdays are wiped out for racing.”

This off-season, the big drawcard is the Winter Long Lunch, open to members and non-members at Royal Randwick’s Chairman’s Club restaurant and Rosehill Gardens’ Winning Post, from May 25 to August 31.

The three-course grazing menu, designed around local produce by head chef Gerry Maher, changes weekly and costs $155 a head. Lunch also includes a glass of Moet & Chandon on arrival, and you can upgrade to the full beverage package for $100 per person. Think vannamei prawn cocktails, Highland beef rump in a redcurrant jus, and sweet treats – including the pastry kitchen’s popular petite buttermilk scones.

Both restaurants feature tiered, theatre-style seating and floor-to-ceiling windows that provide panoramic views over the grounds.

“I love the fact that you can sit in one place for over five hours and be served nonstop drinks and food,” Marsh says. “There’s no other dining experience in the world, I think, where you can sit somewhere for that many hours, be entertained on track, and be looking at the fashion and all the other goings-on with bands and live music.

“Regardless of whether I go with my 82-year-old parents, my sisters or a bunch of girlfriends, it’s really that premium dining experience that I love.”

Usually reserved for members, this year’s long lunch is the first time the clubs will open their doors to the public, according to Marsh, who’s long been an insider. “The thing with Chairman’s and the Winning Post is you’re literally on the finish line,” she says. “You’ve got the best view in the house.”

The trackside fashion is also a big draw for Marsh. “I’m one of four girls, so there’s always a discussion around ‘What are you wearing?’” she says.

Just because the weather is crisp doesn’t mean you can’t pull out all the stops for your outfit. “There’s more felt, more velvet, more leather … [and] it’s very much about a glove,” Marsh says. “Even if it’s a sunny day in Sydney, don’t show up in a summer dress. You’ve got to read those race guides and make sure you’re in the right outfit.”

And, of course, a headpiece is a must at the track. “I’m very partial to a hat as opposed to a fascinator, especially in winter. If your head’s warm you’re going to be warm,” she says. “The bigger the hat the better, for me.”

Whatever you decide to wear, it’s imperative you commit to it. “You don’t want to put something on that’s not going to last you the day,” Marsh says. “I don’t want to be that person taking their shoes or their hat off – I stay true to my outfit literally until the second I get home.”

Overall, race day is a chance to push the boundaries. “It’s not about who’s got the most money and who’s wearing designer labels. It’s about creativity and who’s put different combinations together and been really clever,” she says. “The races are a forum where you can really express who you are. That’s what I love to look for.”

Marsh can’t confirm or deny whether a certain group of ladies will be joining her at some point during the 2024 off-season.

“During that time of year there’s not as much going on,” she says. “You’re not going to the beach on a Saturday, so it’s an even better time to go to the races. It’s the ultimate day out, with incredible food, thrilling races and huge amounts of entertainment.”

As for Marsh’s winning tip: “Go down and look at the horses. Spend the time and go with your gut feel.”

This article is produced by Broadsheet in partnership with Australian Turf Club.