The Championships burst on to the world stage today following a fantastic day’s racing at Royal Randwick Racecourse.

CEO of The Championships, Ian Mackay, said Sydney racing, with 24,959 in attendance and millions viewing around the globe, had launched the beginning of something special.

“We saw some fantastic racing watched by a big crowd and despite wet conditions, Royal Randwick looked magnificent and was brilliantly showcased in this country and many others,” he said.

“Punters also enthusiastically supported The Championships with Tabcorp reporting that NSW TAB turnover on the tote and fixed odds was up 13% compared to the same races last year.

“Day One of The Championships has laid the foundation of a great event and we are anticipating another hugely successful afternoon of racing on Easter Saturday for Day Two.”

Australian Turf Club CEO, Darren Pearce, said the Club was grateful to the almost 25,000 people that braved the elements to support Day One of The Championships: “The crowd and support of Sydney for the day has given us great confidence that we would have got near 35,000 in good weather,” Mr Pearce said.

“There's been a great buzz among people through all the marquees and public areas and they have supported us in great numbers. We are hoping for a better day of weather next week for Day Two in what is certain to be another sensational day’s racing and socialising in the first steps to building this great event.”

The obvious highlight of the afternoon was trainer Chris Waller’s performance in preparing the first four runners in the Group One $3 million The Star Doncaster Mile. Former Kiwi galloper Sacred Falls landed his second successive Doncaster with a perfectly-judged ride by Zac Purton who flew in from Hong Kong for the ride.

Royal Descent (Nash Rawiller) finished second, Weary (Tommy Berry) was third with Hawkspur (Jim Cassidy) flashing home to give Waller the first four runners. In the other Group One races run during The Championships, the winners were: Peggy Jean (Inglis Sires’), Criterion (BMW Australian Derby), Lankan Rupee (Darley TJ Smith Stakes).

Another highlight was His Royal Highness Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, delivering a video message wishing success for The Championships.