The Kosciuszko Ticket Sales Closing

Sydney’s hugely popular race, The Kosciuszko, has developed into one of the most remarkable success stories on the Australian racing calendar, offering ordinary people the chance to live out extraordinary dreams, reports racingnsw.com.au. With $2 million in prize money, the October feature at Royal Randwick has quickly become a cultural phenomenon, built on the $5 sweepstakes tickets that give everyday fans a stake in the big time. The closing date to secure a ticket this year is midnight Monday, September 8, with the draw taking place two days later to determine the 14 lucky winners who will act like Everest slot-holders, choosing the horses to represent them in the final field. The race has already created folklore. In 2023, Far Too Easy carried the hopes of a syndicate of about 50 people from Tattersall’s Hotel in Inverell, each walking away with a return exceeding $6,500. Their manager, publican Scott Williams, recalled a “hero’s reception” when he returned from Randwick. He described the Kosciuszko as an “unbelievable concept,” pointing out that his syndicate included everyone from retirees and property owners to tradies and business people. Even casual pubgoers were inspired to join in, highlighting the race’s unique ability to connect with communities across the state. Twelve months earlier, the magic was alive in Goulburn, where retired soil conservation worker and firefighter Garry Dyson saw his syndicate’s pick Front Page storm to victory. Dyson said the moment he saw the horse’s colours hit the front “was just great,” admitting he never truly expected such fortune. Front Page also gave Queanbeyan’s John Hurley and his syndicate of family and friends their own taste of glory, twice delivering life-changing moments. Hurley recalled pooling $500 worth of tickets with mates and admitted, “You never think you’re really going to win it … very lucky.” For them, the thrill wasn’t just financial, it was the shared sense of striking gold. Art Cadeau’s 2021 success told a similar story of community windfalls. South coast racing enthusiast Brenda Gent, who had long worked in TABs, entered alongside her five children and 16 grandchildren. Their collective prize money went towards weddings, first homes, and renovations. Brenda said she was “tickled pink for the kids” and proud that the race helped several family members “get their heads above water.” These tales illustrate why the Kosciuszko is far more than a race; it’s a lifeline, an event that binds small towns and city pubs together through chance and hope. This year’s edition will again be run at Randwick on Saturday, October 18. Full details and ticket information are available at www.thekosciuszko.com.au, with the draw broadcast live on Sky Thoroughbred Central and the Racing NSW website from 10am, Wednesday, September 10.