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Australian Turf Club, Royal Randwick’s local community and a stable of Sydney racing stars come together at a special family Christmas twilight race meeting on Friday 4 December.

A spectacular on-course entry by Santa and helpers into the Theatre Of The Horse, electronic lighting of a 10.4m high Christmas tree and a post-races Christmas Carol concert from popular entertainer Samantha Jade [pictured below] are among some of the free activities for families.

Following the seven-race twilight racing card starting at 3.10pm, legendary Sydney horse trainer Gai Waterhouse will be among special guests at the COVID-Safe community event.

Children and families can have free photos taken with Santa and his elves, along with characters Gingerbread Man, Frosty The Snowman and other Christmas favourites.

All patrons and families are being encouraged to register their free entry attendance at TheRaces.com.au

The day also aims to raise $20,000 through the ATC Foundation to allow 20 children with disabilities to attend the Sony Foundation’s Holiday Camp, which provides respite for the youngsters and their families.

Patrons on-course will be encouraged to donate to the cause which is being supported by Australian Turf Club and its raceday partners, including De Bortoli Wines, Bisley Workwear and Schweppes, along with major community supporter Randwick City Council.

Australian Turf Club Chief Executive, Jamie Barkley said the raceday was a chance to celebrate Sydney’s thoroughbred racing which has continued through 2020 despite challenges presented by COVID-19: “This has been a very difficult year for everyone and this raceday is a chance for families and the community to come together with some Christmas cheer,” Mr Barkley said.

“We are delighted to be working with Randwick City Council to provide this free festive raceday experience whilst still following all of the COVID-Safe protocols under ongoing NSW Government Health Orders.

“It is a wonderful opportunity for us to thank the community for supporting the thoroughbred industry in what has been a tough year for many across the whole community.”

Danny Said, Randwick City Council Mayor, added: “The inaugural Randwick Christmas Festival at Royal Randwick gives our community a great opportunity to come together in a COVID-Safe environment for an afternoon and evening of festive celebrations while raising funds for a great cause with the Sony Foundation Holiday Camp.”

Fresh off releasing her brand new single ‘New Boy’, Samantha Jade will perform festive favourites and tracks from her ARIA-nominated Christmas album ‘The Magic Of Christmas’, including Santa Claus Is Coming to Town, Hallelujah, All I Want for Christmas Is You and Silent Night.

“Christmas is such a special time of the year to gather together with loved ones, and I’m totally looking forward to getting into the festive spirit and performing some of my favourite carols at Royal Randwick. It’s going to be a special event,” Samantha said.

For more information on race times, program of events and the Australian Turf Club’s COVID-Safe measures, please visit TheRaces.com.au