The Australian Jockey Club (AJC) on Wednesday confirmed that World Youth Day tenure arrangements will conclude at Royal Randwick on 23 August, 2008.

The hand back of Royal Randwick racecourse to the AJC officially marks the countdown to the 2008 Royal Randwick Spring Carnival.

“We are absolutely delighted to be able to make today’s announcement. It is official, in less than six weeks, Royal Randwick will play host to the 2008 Royal Randwick Spring Carnival,” said Norman Gillespie, AJC chief executive officer.

“Royal Randwick racecourse will welcome the return of Spring Carnival racing for the first time in two years, after the cancellation of last year’s Spring Carnival as a result of equine influenza.

“The World Youth Day events rivaled the Sydney Olympics for atmosphere, goodwill and logistical triumph. On behalf of the AJC I congratulate the Deputy Premier, the Hon. John Watkins, the Hon. Minister Kristina Keneally, the NSW State Government and the World Youth Day Coordination Authority for staging such a superb event.

“I would also like to thank the pilgrims. They behaved impeccably, our concerns about the long-term physical impact of such large crowds on Royal Randwick racecourse were well documented, but the group’s exemplary behaviour minimised the impact on the turf.

“However, the disruptions caused by the World Youth Day preparation and rehabilitation to our industry were significant. There is work still to be done before the site is handed back, but we are confident that WYDCA will deliver Royal Randwick back to us in good condition.

“Today we put all of this disruption behind us as we prepare Royal Randwick racecourse for the 2008 Royal Randwick Spring Carnival.

“The next step in our Spring Carnival preparation will be to welcome the horses and trainers back to Royal Randwick on 24 August and from there the stands and grounds will be prepared for this long-awaited celebration of Group One racing.

“We look forward to welcoming the crowds back to the track for what promises to be a fantastic Spring Carnival,” said Gillespie.

The four week 2008 Spring Carnival calendar is as follows;
Saturday, September 27, 2008 George Main Stakes Day
Saturday, October 4, 2008 Arrowfield Stud Super Saturday Race Day
Saturday, October 18, 2008 City Tattersall’s Club Cup Day
Tuesday, November 4, 2008 Melbourne Cup Day