Premier Kristina Keneally has called on Sydney to party during the autumn racing carnival which gets into full swing this week.Speaking at Monday's official launch, Ms Keneally said the city should celebrate over the next six weeks on the back of positive economic news for the state."We should party this autumn," Ms Keneally said."New South Wales has the fastest economic growth of any state in the country and the best retail figures."We work hard and we should play hard too and celebrate this ci
Premier Kristina Keneally has called on Sydney to party during the autumn racing carnival which gets into full swing this week.
Speaking at Monday's official launch, Ms Keneally said the city should celebrate over the next six weeks on the back of positive economic news for the state.
"We should party this autumn," Ms Keneally said.
"New South Wales has the fastest economic growth of any state in the country and the best retail figures.
"We work hard and we should play hard too and celebrate this city.
"The autumn carnival is more than a sporting event, it is as iconic as Luna Park, the Bridge and the Opera House.
"Racing provides $1.7 billion a year in economic value for the state and the autumn carnival is one of five anchor events during the year."
Ms Keneally posed for photos with racing ambassadors Gracie Otto and Rachel Finch with jockeys Hugh Bowman and Glyn Schofield also joining in along with 2005 Doncaster Handicap winner Patezza who is now a valued member of the NSW Mounted Police.
After being shown what not to wear, guests were treated to a look at this year's fashions with feathers and flowers all the rage for headwear.
Over the next two weeks, the final qualifying races for the $3.5 million Golden Slipper will be run with the world's richest race for two-year-olds headlining the Easter Saturday program at Rosehill which features a total of five Group One events.
The carnival then moves to Randwick for the next three Saturdays with the AJC Australian Derby the showpiece on April 10, the Doncaster the following week and the Sydney Cup on the final day.
Changes made to lock in program dates mean 2010 is the first year the Sydney Turf Club hosts the Easter Saturday meeting at Rosehill after years at the Australian Jockey Club's headquarters at Randwick.
"We don't know how many people will switch to Rosehill on Easter Saturday but indications are good," STC chief executive Michael Kenny said.
"It is a great day's racing with five Group One races and $7.5 million prizemoney."
One lucky punter who heads to Randwick on April 17 will win a $50,000 bet on the Doncaster with the day being promoted as a fun day for young people in between the tradition of Derby day and the family atmosphere of Sydney Cup day.