The Twilight Christmas Festival returns to Royal Randwick on Friday, 5 December 2025, offering a mix of sprint and middle-distance races across a busy afternoon programme. The card provides strong opportunities for connections as Sydney’s summer racing scene enters a key phase.
The curtain-raiser, the Precise Air Handicap, kicks off at 2:45 PM over 1300m, offering a total prize of $60,000. Jockeys and trainers alike will be eager to make a strong statement from the very start, setting the tone for the day. The early afternoon is expected to be a thrilling blend of strategy and speed, giving punters their first taste of the action.
At 3:20 PM, attention will shift to the Randwick Mayor’s Cup, another 1300m contest with a prize pool of $60,000. This race is poised to test the stamina and skill of both horse and rider as they navigate the track in a contest that blends both tactical precision and raw power.
The excitement escalates at 4:00 PM with The “CREWY” John Brady Handicap, stretching over 1800m for $60,000. This race is expected to be a true spectacle of endurance and determination, challenging participants to combine speed with staying power in pursuit of victory.
Next, the Fidelity Capital Australia Handicap at 4:40 PM covers 1250m with $60,000 on offer. Punters and spectators alike will be watching keenly as horses vie for position in what promises to be a fast-paced, edge-of-your-seat contest.
The Vinnie @ Yarraman Park Handicap takes center stage at 5:20 PM, a 1400m test carrying $60,000 in prize money. This mid-evening clash is expected to draw significant attention, as seasoned horses and rising stars battle for supremacy under the fading afternoon light.
At 6:00 PM, the Toyota Forklifts Handicap—also 1400m with a $60,000 purse—promises to heighten the festival’s drama. As shadows lengthen over the track, the race will test both strategy and composure in a contest where every stride counts.
The penultimate contest, the TAB Handicap, takes place at 6:30 PM over 1250m, again offering $60,000. With stakes this high, every maneuver and split-second decision could prove decisive, making this race one of the most anticipated of the evening.
Finally, the festival concludes with the Cogburn Worlds Fastest Horse @ Widden at 7:00 PM, a 1250m sprint for $60,000. Spectators will be treated to a breathtaking finish as the fleetest horses on the course push their limits, ensuring the Randwick Twilight Christmas Festival closes on a spectacular high note.
From the first stride to the final stretch, Friday at Royal Randwick promises not just racing, but an immersive celebration of equine excellence, competition, and the vibrant spirit of the Australian racing community. Whether watching from the stands or following every heartbeat from afar, attendees are set to experience a day that will linger in memory long after the horses have crossed the finish line.
Stay tuned to RaceBuzz for live updates, results, and all the behind-the-scenes moments from the Australian racing circuit.
