What to Expect Visiting Rosehill Track for the First Time
Is this your first time going to the Rosehill track or watching a horse race? If so, there are a few things you need to know before going to the track. Attending a horse racing event isn’t like going to the movies; there are specifics that you need to know about the track, dress code, and even how to get there. We were all newbies occasionally, so to help you get familiar with the races at Rosehill, here’s what you can expect.
Make sure you get your tickets
Before getting ahead of ourselves, we must book tickets for the next race at the Rosehill track. If you’re looking for a great experience, we recommend waiting for the Golden Slipper stakes, a Group 1 race that promises you action! You can book tickets through the Australian Turf Club (ATC) or at the gate on the race day. Be careful, though, during big race events like the Golden Slipper, tickets tend to sell out fast, so you might get to the gate, and they’re all sold out, which isn’t ideal if you have to travel far to get there.
You can buy three main types of tickets: general tickets, which allow you into the public areas like the lawn, bars, or grandstands. You can get to the areas with better seating, views, and amenities with a member's pass. If you’re willing to spend a little more, you can get the hospitality package, which would get you a private table with meals and drinks included while you enjoy the race day.
Getting to the track
How you get to the track is another critical consideration to make. You can get to the track in multiple ways, including by train to the Parramatta Station, where you would have to catch a bus, Uber, or taxi to get the rest of the way. You can also drive or hire a shuttle service. If you plan on driving there, try to get there a little earlier to ensure you can get a good parking space. On big race days, the parking situation can get extremely busy.
Understanding the layout of the track
Race distances change depending on the type of race, but it still helps to know a little about the track itself. The Rosehill track is right-handed, with a total distance of 2048 meters and a straight of 408 meters. It’s known as a fair track, giving both front- and back-runners a shot at placing well, depending on the track conditions and the tempo.
A good term to learn for this track is “rail position”, as you might hear it once or twice during the race. If the rail position is true or 5m out, it refers to the distance between the rail and the turf. A rail out wide can favour riders that start fast, while an inside rail (true) might help the back runners catch up later in the race. If the track is dry, expect a fast-paced race. If it’s heavy (wet), expect some horses to gravitate towards the middle of the track if the inside gets choppy.
Rosehill dress code
Rosehill is a little more relaxed on the dress code side, depending on where you’re sitting that is. If you have a general ticket and you’re sitting on the lawn or grandstands, then smart casual dress is fine. Think of wearing chinos, a collared shirt, and sundresses for the ladies. Avoid wearing thongs (flip-flops) or ripped denim jeans.
For members and those sitting in more premium areas, a collared shirt, dress pants, and closed shoes are generally expected, with a tie optional. Ladies would be expected to wear a smart dress or outfit, with classy heels or flats. Remember that you will be on your feet a lot, so try to find the balance between smart and comfortable.
What you should bring
Race days can be long, often being a whole-day outing. With this in mind, you don’t want to carry around a ton of items with you for the day, so pack light. Here are some essentials we’d recommend:
- Have some cash on hand
- Bring your ID and tickets
- Make sure your phone is fully charged and bring a power bank
- Bring sunscreen, a sunhat, and sunglasses
- If you’re sitting on the lawn, bring a suitable blanket to sit on
More information about Rosehill races
Rosehill hosts some fantastic horse racing for those new to the sport and those who’ve been following it for a while. If you want to stay up-to-date with the latest upcoming racing at Rosehill, check out Ladbrokes. They have all the race dates set out for you to follow, and tips or predictions for you to use as you place your bets.
Final thoughts
Attending a race at Rosehill Gardens is a great outing for you and the family, and we’d hate for you to get there for the first time and not know what to expect. So, go through the tips above, make sure you have your tickets, that you’re dressed to impress, and you’re ready for the races!