A brisk December day failed to dampen the spirits of thousands who flocked to the Newcastle Racecourse this Boxing Day, marking a vibrant return to form for the city's famous festive event.
Crowds Surge as Iconic Event Regains Its Spark
Pre-sale tickets for the 2025 Boxing Day races hit an impressive 3600 by midweek, already exceeding the total attendance from the previous year. By the close of the seven-race program, Newcastle Jockey Club chief executive Duane Dowell projected a final crowd of approximately 5000 people filling the grandstands, lawn areas, and the bustling betting ring.
"We've put a lot into the promotion of the event, we've given it a real lift this year," Mr Dowell said. He attributed the significant uplift to a deliberate marketing campaign centred on the message 'Boxing Day is back' and a major investment in entertainment.
World-Class Entertainment and a Family-Friendly Vibe
The club's headline act, globally recognised DJ act Hot Dub Time Machine, was a key drawcard, chosen for its broad appeal across age groups. "He's a world-renowned act which resonates with all age groups and has a huge following," Dowell explained.
While historically popular with younger revellers, the day has evolved into a broader social occasion. Mr Dowell noted that many groups now use the races as an annual Christmas catch-up, especially for friends and family returning to Newcastle for the holidays.
This shift was evident in the crowd. Caleb Austin purchased tickets as a Christmas gift for his grandparents, Des and Noreen Layer, who had not attended the races in around three decades. "We are enjoying a day at the races with my mum and dad," said Karen Austin, Caleb's mother.
Fashion, Friends and Festive Cheer Trackside
For many attendees, the social and fashion aspects were as important as the racing itself. Friends Ebony Woolgar-Robe and Holly Nilon confessed they were more focused on the race-day style scene, while their male companions were keenly following the horses. "We just love it, the energy and the vibes," Ms Woolgar-Robe said.
As the final race concluded, the party was far from over. The betting ring transformed into a dance floor for the Hot Dub Time Machine set. For those wishing to continue the festivities, shuttle buses were available to ferry punters to McDonald Jones Stadium for an A-League match between the Newcastle Jets and Macarthur FC.
The successful day solidifies the event's position as a major feature in the NSW racing and social calendar, proving that Newcastle's famous Boxing Day tradition is well and truly back with renewed energy.
