Tomorrow’s $10 million Golden Eagle race at Royal Randwick will again spotlight charitable causes alongside top-tier thoroughbred racing, with every horse in the marquee event representing a different charity. Since its inception in 2019 by Racing NSW, the Golden Eagle has committed 10 percent of its substantial prize pool to charity, distributing over $7 million to various organisations to date.
One of the key figures in this year’s event is Matt Tripp, executive chair of the Melbourne Storm and online bookmaker Betr, who is part owner of Skyhook, a leading contender in the four-year-old Group 1 race. Skyhook will run for Breakthrough T1D, supporting research aimed at curing, preventing, and treating type 1 diabetes.
Tripp’s involvement is deeply personal. He and his wife Yasmina established the Bella Tripp Foundation after their daughter Bella’s death in 2022 from leukemia, focusing on pediatric bone marrow transplant respiratory complications. Tripp praised Racing NSW’s approach to funding charities, noting the importance of supporting organisations that often struggle to secure adequate financing, especially in the face of ongoing economic challenges in parts of Australia. “To make a difference and change a life you need that funding,” Tripp said, expressing hope that Skyhook’s performance will benefit Breakthrough T1D.
Skyhook, a chestnut galloper trained by Gerald Ryan and Sterling Alexiou, has won six of 16 starts and is considered a strong challenger to the favorite, Sheza Alibi, in Australia’s second richest race. Tripp acknowledged the thrill of his involvement and his hope of finally securing a major win in his ownership ventures, which previously saw him come close with Bauer’s second place in the 2008 Melbourne Cup.
The Golden Eagle race day is also seeing increased engagement from diverse demographics, with hospitality ticket sales reported to be up 30 percent year-on-year, and a notable rise in female attendees. Donna Forbes, head of commercial at the Australian Turf Club (ATC), highlighted that The Big Dance, another prominent race day held on Tuesday, is attracting a younger and predominantly female crowd. She encouraged fans to attend in person, offering a $500 discount on ATC memberships, which include 12 member passes.
ATC CEO Steve McMahon emphasized the Golden Eagle’s rapid growth since its launch eight years ago, describing it as a unique event that has quickly become one of Australia’s most prestigious races while capturing global attention. McMahon noted that the Sydney Spring Carnival’s success is driven by innovative races like the Golden Eagle and The Everest, which set new attendance records and appeal to younger and more diverse audiences. The recent TAB Everest drew a crowd of 52,110, with women representing a majority for the first time and nearly 30 percent aged between 18 and 24.
As the Golden Eagle approaches, racing enthusiasts and supporters are poised to witness a contest that blends high-level competition with a strong charitable legacy, reinforcing the event’s unique position in the Australian—and international—racing calendar.