Victoria’s largest and richest event for retired racehorses goes bigger as the Racing Victoria Off The Track Carnival returns to Boneo Park

Racing Victoria (RV) has reaffirmed its long-standing commitment to equine welfare with the return of the Off The Track Carnival hosted by Boneo Park, which will be held from 11–13 September 2026 with a format increased in scale and ambition following a hugely successful inaugural year.

Expanding from two days of competition to three in 2026, the second annual Racing Victoria Off The Track Carnival will welcome up to 500 thoroughbreds through the gates at Boneo Park Equestrian Centre on the Mornington Peninsula, cementing its position as the largest equestrian event dedicated to thoroughbreds in Victoria.

Open to retired racehorses from across the country, the Off The Track Carnival bridges the gap between racing and equestrian disciplines by showcasing the versatility of the Thoroughbred.

Its position during Melbourne’s world-famous Spring Racing Carnival is timed to shine a positive light on the multitude of post-racing initiatives available to former racehorses, with the likes of Group 1 winners Zaaki and Hartnell among a plethora of thoroughbreds excelling in their second careers.

The Off The Track Carnival is open to all Off The Track (OTT) riders, with no membership required, and entry fees are capped at $100 per horse per class (inclusive of administration and facility fees), making the event both accessible and affordable.

Thanks to RV’s principal sponsorship, the prizemoney pool will increase this year by more than $30,000, with over $260,000 on offer across the three days of competition. That figure includes a $500 bonus award per championship for each of the following:

• Masters Award – highest placed rider 45-years-old and over;
• Next Generation Award – highest placed rider 18-years-old or under; and
• Racing Industry Award – highest placed rider licensed, registered or acknowledged with RV at the close of entries.

From Dressage and Combined Training to Show Jumping and Show Horse, the athleticism and adaptability of OTT thoroughbreds will be demonstrated across 23 championship classes this year, up from 17 in 2025.

In response to competitor feedback received in its inaugural year, the 2026 Off The Track Carnival will introduce six standalone Rising Star championship classes across the four disciplines.

The Rising Star classes are open to any Stud Book-registered Thoroughbred (Australian or international) which last raced, or competed in an official trial, within two years of the date of the event. These classes, in which Melbourne Cup runner-up Emissary and million-dollar earner Scallopini competed last year, seek to drive further demand for the uptake of thoroughbreds recently retired from the racetrack.

Also returning this year will be the popular Celebrity Show Jumping Challenge, with some of Victoria’s leading jockeys and trainers competing against several of the country’s best equestrian riders in front of a packed crowd around the main arena.

Already a feature event on the equestrian calendar in just its second year, the Off The Track Carnival is free for the public to attend, and further event information will be published on www.boneopark.com.au and www.ottcommunity.com.au over the coming months.

Entries for all classes at this year’s Off The Track Carnival will open on 17 June 2026 via Boneo Park’s Equestrian Centre website.

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

“We are delighted to return as naming rights sponsor of the Racing Victoria Off The Track Carnival hosted by Boneo Park, which is both the largest and richest equestrian event dedicated to thoroughbreds in Victoria.

“The inaugural Off The Track Carnival proved a huge success, and creating opportunities that showcase the versatility of the Thoroughbred beyond racing is central to our approach to equine welfare.

“Featuring the return of the trade village, fashion classes, VIP luncheon and the Wall of Claim, which proved so popular last year, this event offers a great opportunity for people to socialise while witnessing some of the recent stars of the track showcase how they have seamlessly transitioned into life post-racing.

“An expanded program and prizemoney pot makes this year’s Off The Track Carnival an unmissable opportunity, and we look forward to witnessing riders from across Australia converge on Boneo Park this September for three days of outstanding Off The Track competition.”

Quotes attributed to Boneo Park Chief Executive Officer, Greta Cooper:

“We’re delighted to be building upon the success of last year’s inaugural Off The Track Carnival at Boneo Park.

“The response from competitors, spectators and the broader equestrian community was overwhelmingly positive. Given the strong interest, we’re excited to expand the program in 2026, with opportunity for 500 retired racehorses to compete for over $260,000 in prizemoney.

“Boneo Park established the Off The Track Carnival to promote positive welfare outcomes for retired racehorses, and we are proud to partner with Racing Victoria to deliver upon this ambition, while also showcasing the best of equestrian sport.

“It’s incredibly encouraging to see so many Off The Track horses thriving in a range of disciplines, and this event plays an important role in creating demand for thoroughbreds post their racing careers.

“As a free spectator event, and with accessible competitor entry prices, we encourage everyone to be a part of the excitement and action.”