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The Australian Turf Club and Racing NSW today unveiled Sydney’s newest and most exciting world-class venue, the WINX Stand at iconic Royal Randwick. Named in honour of the immortal racehorse Winx, the two-level $46.6 million facility will significantly enhance the raceday experience for general admission spectators.

Access to the WINX Stand will be included in all general admission tickets purchased to Royal Randwick.

Outside of racedays, the WINX Stand further establishes Royal Randwick’s renowned reputation as the pre-eminent venue for Sydney’s growing Meetings and Events sector.

Designed by Cox Architecture, built by Taylor Construction and project managed by MostynCopper across 13 months, the trackside WINX Stand adjacent to the world-famous Royal Randwick rise and home straight is a celebration and tribute to the internationally acclaimed Winx.

The world’s highest rated horse over several years, Winx won 37 of her 43 starts, including 25 Group 1 wins and her final 33 races in succession.

Of Winx’s world record streak, 28 victories were witnessed in Sydney, including her final race watched by a sold-out and capacity crowd of 43,833 spectators at Royal Randwick on Longines Queen Elizabeth Stakes Day in 2019.

VIP guests at today’s official opening included the Hon. Kevin Anderson MP, Minister for Better Regulation and Innovation, Australian Turf Club Chairman Matthew McGrath, Racing NSW Chairman Russell Balding AO, Sydney’s 11-time champion trainer Chris Waller, Winx’s jockey Hugh Bowman, Winx owners and their families Debbie Kepitis, Peter and Patty Tighe, and Elizabeth Treweeke daughter of the late Richard Treweeke, along with dual Olympic Swimming Gold Medallist and World Champion Bronte Campbell OAM.

Chris Waller, Elizabeth Treweeke, Debbie Kepitis, Peter and Patty Tighe and Hugh and Christine Bowman launch the WINX Stand at Royal Randwick.

Australian Turf Club Chairman Matthew McGrath said the WINX Stand was a fitting tribute to an icon of world racing.

“Winx captured the imagination of the Australian public and was an inspiration to fans around the world,’’ Mr McGrath said.

“She was the people’s champion and now the people and especially general admission customers have a stand named forever in her honour.’’

Racing NSW Chairman Russell Balding AO said: “Winx brought many new fans to racing. We now need to accommodate them in world-class facilities. This goal has now been achieved. The most pleasing aspect is the WINX Stand is exclusively for the public.

“Accordingly, there will be no additional cost to experience a space fit for the sport of Kings and Queens. Winx would not have it any other way.’’

Minister responsible for Racing Kevin Anderson said the stand was a testament to the Winx legacy.

“It is only fitting that Australia’s favourite horse will be recognised at Australia’s best metropolitan racecourse,” Mr Anderson said.

“Winx is the racehorse of our generation and now future generations will also be able to enjoy the races from this fantastic new stand.”

The WINX Stand will be open for all racegoers during the Australian Turf Club’s new Summer Festival of Racing from The Agency Villiers Stakes Day on 11 December.

The ground floor features an expansive, fully enclosed indoor space that can accommodate up to 4,750 general admission patrons with direct access to the trackside Leger Lawn to experience live racing action. The venue is flooded with natural light through floor to high ceiling glass, and offers access to bars, food outlets, multiple LED screens and TAB and wagering facilities.

Level 1 of the WINX Stand features two fully enclosed modern indoor spaces connected by a sweeping open-air outdoor terrace with a bar named in honour of Happy Clapper, the Group 1 star who ran second to Winx five times. The terrace offers patrons fantastic panoramic vistas over the picturesque Royal Randwick home straight.

Up to 2,750 patrons will enjoy the upper level on racedays. Combined, both levels of the WINX Stand, which also features a link bridge connecting to the Queen Elizabeth II Grandstand and multi-level carpark, will accommodate a total of 7,500 public raceday patrons in a new level of comfort and convenience.

In addition to world-class racing carnivals and raceday events, the WINX Stand is expected to play host to Sydney’s premier meetings and events, including conferences, gala dinners, cocktail parties, exhibitions, and other large scale to boutique celebrations - making Royal Randwick a year-round destination.

The Australian Turf Club has seen extensive demand and inquiries, with the venue fully booked out for the first month after opening, and strong bookings already throughout 2022.

When international borders fully re-open, the WINX Stand will complement Sydney’s offering to host international business incentives and global music and cultural events.

It is estimated the WINX Stand will deliver more than $150 million in annual economic benefit to New South Wales and has created over 450 jobs to support the state’s post-COVID recovery. For more information on the WINX Stand and ATC’s Summer Festival of Racing please visit australianturfclub.com.au