The glamour of Sydney’s Autumn Racing Carnival reached new heights on Saturday as The Star Championships Day 1 unfolded at Royal Randwick in a stylish celebration of high fashion, fine dining, thrilling races and all-round revelry.
Stealing the spotlight were model and TV personality Laura Dundovic and model Annalise Dalins, who turned heads in effortlessly chic monochrome looks that paid homage to the day’s traditional black and white dress code. Set against the refined backdrop of Sydney’s most iconic racecourse, the event marked one of the most anticipated fixtures in the racing calendar – and a key social affair in the city’s autumn season.
Classic Couture at the Track
Laura Dundovic stunned in a sculptural white ensemble by Australian prêt-à-couture designer Mariam Seddiq, balancing elegance and edge with perfectly paired black accessories – from glossy leather gloves to pointed heels, a wide-brimmed hat, and oversized sunglasses.
Annalise Dalins, arriving with fiancé and AFL star Josh Daicos, took a more minimalist yet equally striking approach in a sleek strapless black gown, elevated with a wide white-trimmed hat, black clutch and matching pumps. Together, the pair embodied timeless race day glamour, setting the tone for an event that fused tradition with contemporary style.
Star Power and Trackside Highlights
The event welcomed up to 3,000 guests, who enjoyed a thrilling day of Group 1 racing action including the Australian Derby and The Star Doncaster Mile. Celebrities and influencers mixed with punters and members at the expansive Royal Randwick venue, which came alive with an array of immersive experiences, entertainment and premium hospitality.
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Saskia Wotton was among the standout attendees, effortlessly chic in a halterneck black dress and dramatic headpiece, spotted sipping premium Provence rosé in the glamorous Whispering Angel Garden – a luxe retreat located within the Members Reserve.
The elegance of the event was captured in motion thanks to the return of the Glamdroid camera, a slow-motion robotic arm made famous on the Oscars red carpet, which caught every fluttering fascinator and flowing hemline in cinematic detail.
The Party Beyond the Finish Line
Celebrations extended beyond the racetrack with popular DJ sets in The Peacock Lounge, presented by Balter, located in the sleek Winx Stand. The area offered a vibrant and relaxed space for guests to toast, dance and take in the sweeping views, as DJs Marshes, Sarkozy and Geo provided the soundtrack for the day’s festivities.
For those seeking the ultimate indulgence, The Riders Club offered a sanctuary of premium hospitality with all-day canapés, a six-hour beverage package, and trackside access. The exclusive lounge promised comfort and luxury, ideal for enjoying every moment of the high-stakes races.
Guests could also explore the Chandon Spritz Garden, the rooftop Happy Clapper Bar, and the buzzing Canadian Club Bar, creating a variety of atmospheres for punters and partygoers alike.
What’s Next in the Carnival
The fun doesn’t stop here. The Autumn Racing Carnival continues with The Star Championships Day 2 on Saturday, April 12, followed by Schweppes All Aged Stakes Day on April 19, both also held at Royal Randwick.
Following the races, the After the Last concert series kept the momentum going as festival favourite Touch Sensitive took to the stage to close out the evening with an electric performance. Fans can look forward to upcoming acts including DJ duo Set Mo next Saturday and singer-DJ KLP, who will headline the finale event.
From timeless fashion to world-class racing and unmissable entertainment, The Star Championships Day 1 delivered on all fronts – confirming once again that the Autumn Racing Carnival is as much about sartorial splendour and celebration as it is about the horses.
