Good Friday Appeal donation announced by Victorian thoroughbred racing industry 

Racing Victoria (RV) has today announced a donation of $150,000 in support of the 2026 Good Friday Appeal ahead of an action-packed day of racing which is set to provide additional funds for the important cause.

RV has partnered with Country Racing Victoria (CRV) and Southside Racing in funding this year’s donation provided to the Royal Children’s Hospital on today’s Seven Network Good Friday Appeal broadcast.

This year’s donation sees RV and CRV’s total contribution to the Good Friday Appeal eclipse $750,000 over the past eight years.

Racing’s support of the cause dates back to the inaugural Appeal in 1931 when a crowd of 20,000 witnessed a sports carnival that opened with a football match involving Caulfield and Flemington jockeys.

In 2026 the Victorian thoroughbred racing industry will collectively contribute more than $270,000 to the Appeal with RV, CRV and Southside’s donation joined by more than $120,00 courtesy of fundraising efforts by the Victoria Racing Club (VRC) at its 2025-26 race meetings.

This year’s contribution also marks a significant milestone in the Victorian thoroughbred racing industry’s support of the Good Friday Appeal with donations now totalling more than $1 million over the past eight years.

 

Fundraising will continue throughout metropolitan and regional Victoria today thanks to a bumper double-header raceday where $5 from every admission ticket will be donated to the Appeal.

The Ballarat Turf Club is hosting an eight-race program this afternoon from 1pm which is headlined by country Victoria’s richest sprint race, the $300,000 The Country Discovery (1100m).

Southside takes the reins from 4.45pm with 16 races across their dual-code night thoroughbred and harness meeting at Cranbourne. 

Additional fundraising initiatives, including auctions and raffles, are planned for both Ballarat and Cranbourne today, alongside a plethora of family entertainment and thrilling racing.

RV Chief Executive, Aaron Morrison, said, “RV is incredibly proud to make a substantial donation of $150,000 today along with Country Racing Victoria and Southside Racing to continue the Victorian thoroughbred racing industry’s long history of supporting the Good Friday Appeal.

“This donation, combined with the Victorian Racing Club’s fundraising of over $120,000, sees the Victorian thoroughbred racing industry contribute in excess of $270,000 to this year’s Appeal and more than $1 million over the past eight years to the vital cause.

“The work of the Royal Children’s Hospital in supporting those in need is critical for our state and community and it’s important that we recognise and assist their efforts.

“It’s a privilege to be able to conduct two race meetings on Good Friday, both of which will offer an opportunity for the community to gather socially, whilst raising funds for the Appeal.”