Inaugural Off The Track Carnival to showcase talent and versatility of retired racehorses

Racing Victoria (RV) is proud to join Boneo Park Equestrian Centre in launching the inaugural Off The Track Carnival which will be Victoria’s largest equestrian event dedicated to thoroughbreds.

Set to showcase more than 200 retired racehorses across a weekend of competition, education and community, the event will take place on 13-14 September 2025 at Boneo Park on the Mornington Peninsula.

Thanks to RV’s principal sponsorship, the Off The Track Carnival will offer over $200,000 in prizemoney and awards across 17 championship classes with low entry fees set to allow for broad participation.

The Off The Track Carnival will highlight the athleticism, adaptability and potential of Off The Track (OTT) thoroughbreds across multiple disciplines, from Dressage and Combined Training to Showjumping and Show Horse.

The exciting new event will further RV’s efforts to drive demand for the thoroughbred as the breed of choice for equestrian riders and owners, which helps all within the racing industry transition their racehorses to second careers.

The 17 championship classes to be held across the weekend include the following, with eligibility open to any thoroughbred registered in the Australian or International Stud Book:

• Dressage – Preliminary, Novice, and Elementary levels;
   
• Combined Training – CT65cm to CT105cm divisions;
   
• Showjumping – Events from 60cm to 110cm; and
   
• Show Horse – Led Show Hack, Led Show Hunter, Ridden Show Hack, and Ridden Show Hunter Champions.

A prize pool of $12,000 will apply for each championship, with a strong possibility of increases prior to the event as additional sponsors are confirmed.

The winner of each championship will collect $5,000 with $2,500 awarded to second, $1,000 for third, $800 for fourth, $500 for fifth and $200 for sixth.

Each championship will also carry four $500 cash prizes for the best placed eligible competitor in each of the following categories: 

• Masters Award – highest placed rider 45 years of age and over – any rider born in 1980 or prior is eligible for this award;             

• Next Generation Award – highest placed rider 18 years of age or under – any rider born in 2007 or after is eligible for this award;

• Racing Industry Award – highest placed rider licensed, registered or acknowledged with RV at the close of entries*; and

• Rising Star Award – highest placed horse which last raced or competed in an official trial within two years of the date of the Off The Track Carnival. 

Entries for all classes at the Off The Track Carnival will close on Monday, 18 August 2025 with further event information and updates to be published on www.boneopark.com.au throughout the coming months. 

Entry fees have been set at just $40 per horse per championship, with a weekend facility fee of $30 per horse and weekend administration fee (including medical levy) of $30 per rider.

With hundreds of horses expected to compete, the Off The Track Carnival promises to be a milestone event on the equestrian calendar, and with Boneo Park’s ability to cater for up to 500 horses across a weekend it has scope for further growth in the years to come.

In addition to the competition, a must-watch will be the Celebrity Challenge on Sunday, 14 September — featuring jockeys and trainers — where teams of four will compete in a jumping charity challenge.

The Off The Track Carnival will offer more than just competition as a vibrant Trade Village and Education Hub will be on-site, providing attendees with the chance to meet industry experts, learn about OTT thoroughbreds and gain advice on connecting with their own OTT.

The event will also feature fun social highlights such as Fashions On the Field, children’s activities and live music, making it a perfect weekend for the whole family.

Quotes attributed to RV General Manager – Equine Welfare, Melissa Ware: 

“Racing Victoria is proud to support the inaugural Off The Track Carnival, a fantastic initiative that highlights the incredible potential of retired racehorses. This event is designed to build on our work of driving demand for OTTs and positioning them as a breed of choice in the equestrian community. 

“The Off The Track Carnival will play an important role in showcasing the unique qualities of thoroughbreds and their growing appeal within the equestrian community. As these horses transition from the racetrack to a range of disciplines, their versatility, athleticism and work ethic continue to impress.

“We look forward to seeing these horses shine at Boneo Park this September and to celebrating the passionate community behind them and their pursuits post racing.”

Quotes attributed to Boneo Park Managing Director, Fiona Selby:

“The Off The Track concept is such an important component for retired racehorses. We feel the industry has a social responsibility to support life after racing, and we are thrilled to be able to partner in such a meaningful way. 

“Off The Track horses are great options for many equestrian riders as they are affordable, well handled, and have been exposed to many different environments. The Off The Track Carnival will be a celebration of these horses and their suitability as riding horses. 

“Thanks to a sanctioning agreement with Equestrian Australia, the event is open to all Off The Track riders, with no membership required for horses or riders, ensuring it is an inclusive event for all members of the Off The Track community.

“We are so grateful to Racing Victoria for their generous support of the event and their continued commitment to equine welfare. We look forward to welcoming the Off The Track community to Boneo Park this September for what will be a memorable event.”