Inaugural Off The Track Carnival attracts over 380 retired racehorses this weekend
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The countdown is now well and truly on for the inaugural Off The Track Carnival – the largest equestrian event dedicated to thoroughbreds in Victoria which debuts this weekend (13-14 September).
Hosted by Boneo Park in partnership with Racing Victoria (RV), over 380 retired racehorses will descend on the Mornington Peninsula property, providing the perfect platform to showcase the versatility, athleticism and trainability of the thoroughbred.
With a total prizemoney pool of $235,000 on offer across the weekend, the Off The Track Carnival will be the richest equestrian event in Victoria. It comprises 17 championship classes across four disciplines – dressage, combined training, show horse and showjumping – with the aim of bringing the racing and equestrian worlds closer together in celebration of life after racing.
Spectators can look forward to appearances from many former stars of the track, including four-time Group 1 winner Hartnell, star sprinter Santa Ana Lane and Melbourne Cup hero Twilight Payment.
Another household name in attendance will be superstar jockey Jamie Melham, who is set to compete in Sunday’s eagerly anticipated Celebrity Showjumping Challenge in which jockeys, trainers and equestrian teams do battle for bragging rights.
Melham will be joined by her weighing room colleagues Daniel Stackhouse and Celine Gaudray, with the latter set to partner the Grace Imrie-owned Lady Fiorente, who won the Off The Track (OTT) Preliminary Dressage Series earlier this year.
Matt Laurie, Matthew Williams and Jason Warren make up the trainers’ team, while the equestrian team will be spearheaded by Olympian and OTT Ambassador Amanda Ross with the Challenge set to start at 11.30am.
The Off The Track Carnival, which is open to any thoroughbred registered in the Australian or an International Thoroughbred Stud Book, has attracted support from sponsors across the world of thoroughbred racing, including Hong Kong Jockey Club, Melbourne Racing Club, Victoria Racing Club, Godolphin Lifetime Care and MyRacehorse Australia.
To ensure the event was affordable and accessible for all, participation fees were capped at $100 and entries were open to all OTT owners and riders, with the breakdown of classes as follows:
Dressage – Preliminary, Novice, and Elementary levels;
Combined Training (Dressage & Showjumping) – CT60cm 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.
Courtesy of funding from RV’s equine welfare fund and the support of sponsors, each championship class will offer $11,800 in prizemoney to be distributed as follows – first $5,300, second $2,800, third $1,300, fourth $1,100, fifth $800 and sixth $500.
In addition to healthy prizemoney purses, 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;
Victorian Racing Industry Participant 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.
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 iconic Melbourne Cup trophy will also be on display at Boneo Park, offering attendees the chance to have their picture taken with one of racing’s most prestigious prizes.
Entry to the Off The Track Carnival is free and spectators are invited to attend Boneo Park, 312 Boneo Rd, Boneo with competitions starting at 7.30am on Saturday and Sunday.
Quotes attributable to RV Chief Executive, Aaron Morrison
“We are excited to launch the Off The Track Carnival and have been overwhelmed by the response from the equestrian community, with over 380 retired racehorses far exceeding our expectations in year one.
“This exciting new event reaffirms our commitment to life after racing and the incredible turnout provides a clear demonstration of what thoroughbred racehorses have to offer on or off the track.
“It is so important that we continue to highlight the unique versatility of thoroughbreds and their growing appeal within the equestrian community. This event provides the perfect platform to do so, whilst acknowledging and rewarding those who provide the horses with meaningful post racing careers.
“With this level of engagement, and with Boneo Park’s continued support, we expect the Off The Track Carnival to become a milestone event on the equestrian calendar.
“We would like to thank the team at Boneo Park and all the sponsors for their support of the inaugural Off The Track Carnival and wish each competitor the best of luck.”
Quotes attributable to Boneo Park Managing Director, Fiona Selby
“This event simply wouldn’t be possible without the incredible support from all areas of the industry — especially the participants, trainers, and jockeys who have come together to give it the platform and recognition it deserves. Their involvement is what brings this initiative to life, and we’re truly grateful for the industry’s commitment and participation.
“We have enjoyed a long and rewarding partnership with Racing Victoria, and their unwavering commitment to the welfare of thoroughbreds has been evident for many years. This event is really the culmination of the hard work of the Off The Track team and illustrates Racing Victoria’s unyielding dedication to ensuring a meaningful life for racehorses beyond the track. We are incredibly thankful for their support.
“Animal welfare has always been at the heart of what we do at Boneo Park. By supporting post-racing pathways and providing opportunities for thoroughbred horses to stay active and engaged, we feel we’re making a meaningful contribution to their wellbeing by ensuring they have a rewarding life beyond the racetrack.
“We’re thrilled to be hosting this event. Over the years, we’ve seen many thoroughbreds come to Boneo Park and compete in various equestrian disciplines. It’s exciting to see this recognised as a meaningful post-racing pathway, where these horses can remain active and showcase their talents beyond the racetrack.”
To learn more about the Off The Track Carnival visit www.boneopark.com.au.