ROSEHILL GARDENS is gearing up for a Sunday, December 7, that feels less like a simple raceday and more like a summertime celebration waiting to spill over. With the meeting moved from Saturday due to extreme heat, tomorrow arrives with fresh energy — free entry, festive colours, and a crowd ready to turn the grandstand into its own chorus.
Ten races from 12:15pm to 5:40pm will unfold under warm December light as music, hospitality and laughter blend with the sound of hooves. Santa will roam the lawns, long-lunch tables will shimmer, and the SUMMER FESTIVAL OF RACING will wrap the course in a mood that’s as cheerful as it is competitive. Everything points to a day built for joy, spectacle and the kind of racing that thrives when the atmosphere crackles.
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE DAY — THE FESTIVAL MOMENTS THAT WILL DEFINE THE AFTERNOON
• A card stacked with evenly matched fields
No Group races, no headline act — but ten competitive contests spread across meaningful prize money will carry a steady rhythm of genuine racing theatre.
• A meeting reborn after the heat delay
What could’ve been a disruption has turned into an opportunity — free entry, a refreshed card, and a Sunday crowd ready to embrace the shift with even more enthusiasm.
• Summer Festival of Racing in full swing
From long lunches to trackside lounges, the course will feel like a holiday postcard — sun, colour and easy luxury shaping the experience.
• Santa trackside for the little ones
A rare sight in racing, but a perfect fit for December. Santa handing out candy canes adds warmth to the day, making the meeting as much a family outing as a sporting spectacle.
• Fashion, food and festive flair
Summer racewear, sparkling hospitality spaces and social corners create the kind of relaxed glamour that Rosehill does best.
THE CONTENDERS ACROSS THE CARD — A THREAD OF EXPECTATION
The afternoon will weave its own narrative as PEACE OFFICER, MISSILE SEEKER, MASTER RILEY, GOLD PATTERN, YABBY PUMP, TRAFALGAR SQUARE (Race 1) step out first, setting the early tone for the day.
Momentum continues with ECLAIR ENCORE, EXISTENTIAL BOB, CLIMB THE LADDER, EL PASO, HORIZONS, NATOYA (Race 2).
Race 3 brings ZUCCHERO, TOMMY FLYER, SACRED MISTRESS, STORMBRINGER, WRITE YOUR OWN, FOUR DEGREES.
Middle races sharpen with DARK SIMBA, AUTOMNE TREE, SWIFT LEGEND, SANCTIFIED, COMMANDING BELLE, SUPERMASSIVE, PLAINTIFF (Races 4–5).
Race 6 highlights CARBONADOS, DOLLAR MAGIC, CREPE MYRTLE, FLIGHTCREW.
Race 7 brings ISLAND DREAM, CHANGING COLOURS, BELLA CORAZON, DAME COMMANDER, WINGS OF DESIRE.
The finale runners — WHINCHAT, JOJO WAS A MAN, BELLE DETELLE, CASINO BEAR, PHILIPSBURG, LITTLE BEGINNINGS, WALKING PAINTING, ROLLING MAGIC, SMASHING TIME — close the afternoon across Races 8, 9 and 10.
THE $120,000 CONTESTs — FOUNDATION RACES
RACE 1 — MIDWAY HANDICAP
12:15pm • 1500m • $120,000 • 11 runners
Prize: $55,000 / $21,750 / $11,250
A steady, confident opener shaping the crowd’s mood.
RACE 3 — TAB HIGHWAY HANDICAP
1:25pm • 1500m • $120,000 • 18 runners
Prize: $55,000 / $21,750 / $11,250
Country runners bringing grit and fresh stories.
THE $160,000 RACES — THE MEETING’S EIGHT-PART SUMMER SPINE
Race 2 — Hyland Race Colours Handicap
12:50pm • 1800m • 7 runners
Race 4 — Vinnie @ Yarraman Park Handicap
2:00pm • 1500m • 9 runners
Race 5 — Asahi Super Dry Handicap
2:35pm • 1200m • 7 runners
Race 6 — Catanach’s Jewellers Handicap
3:10pm • 1100m • 8 runners
Race 7 — Chandon Handicap
3:45pm • 1300m • 13 runners
Race 8 — TAB Handicap
4:20pm • 1400m • 16 runners
Race 9 — Captivant @ Kia Ora Handicap
5:00pm • 2000m • 8 runners
Race 10 — The Inglis Influence Handicap
5:40pm • 1300m • 12 runners
THE WARM GLOW BEFORE THE CELEBRATION BEGINS
Everything points to a Sunday glowing with summer warmth, festive spirit and competitive theatre. Rosehill Gardens feels poised for a day built on atmosphere, spectacle, memory and momentum.
Stay tuned to Racebuzz for more such updates.
