ATC chef Gerry Maher (left) with fellow chef Danny Russo and Kerri-Anne Kennerley at the launch of Taste of Turf at Randwick's Winx Stand.

The Australian Turf Club and Racing NSW have launched Taste Of Turf, a one-of-a-kind food and lifestyle experience where patrons will pay for the privilege of being served by jockeys of horses running in the lead-up to the top-tier $15 million The Everest race.

On 11 October, in the week before ‘The World’s Richest Race on Turf’, around 25 of Sydney’s renowned chefs, including Danny Russo and The Australian Turf Club’s Gerry Maher, will be serving sample sizes of their signature dishes from branded service stations. The food will be served in person by the jockeys competing at The TAB Everest on Saturday 15 October, accompanied by other well-known trainers and personalities.

The event mixes racing royalty and celebrities with corporate sponsors, VIP guests and Everest racing fans all gathering at Australia’s longest-standing racing venue at its newest premium stadium, The Winx Stand.

Chefs Danny Russo (left) and the ATC’s Gerry Maher will be among those serving sample signature dishes at the Taste of Turf event.

“It’s a good collaboration and a great way of networking and learning and a great way to showcase what we do,” Maher told Club Management. “I’m looking forward to it.”

Each food station in the Winx Ballroom will be kitted out in the colours of that particular jockey’s silks. Plus, there will be plenty of “watering holes” with cocktails, wine and plenty of champagne to complement this delicious food. 

The “Taste Of” concept made its debut in tennis 20 years ago, at the US Open, with the Taste of Tennis event featuring New York City’s finest chefs, accompanied by the world’s best tennis players.

Taste of Turf’s owner Karen Scott Happer, a former Sydneysider living in the USA, is bringing this prestigious event to Australia with the help of local TV icon Kerri-Anne Kennerley.

“There are no boundaries when creating sponsor and food concepts for the elegant, social and race-loving fraternity on this unique night,” she said.

“I welcome the opportunity of meeting with everyone to develop exciting presentation packages unlike anything Sydney racing has ever seen.

“A good time will be had by all,” she told Club Management.

Taste of Turf will make its debut in the Winx Ballroom at Royal Randwick on Wednesday 11 October, from 7pm-10 pm. Tickets go on sale 15 June 2023.

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