Melbourne Cup hero and rising equestrian stars headline stellar Off The Track Carnival line-up
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The second Racing Victoria Off The Track Carnival hosted by Boneo Park is set to showcase the extraordinary versatility of the thoroughbred this weekend, with former Group 1 stars, emerging Off The Track talent and horses bred in eight different countries converging on the Mornington Peninsula for Victoria's largest and richest equestrian event dedicated to thoroughbreds.
Free for spectators to attend, the family-friendly event runs from 11-13 September and brings together elite competition, education and entertainment in one unique celebration of life after racing.
The Carnival has expanded from two days to three this year and will welcome over 500 retired racehorses to Boneo Park Equestrian Centre, with the affordable entry fees helping drive the insatiable demand for places. Competitors will vie for more than $260,000 in prizemoney across 23 championship classes spanning Dressage, Combined Training, Show Horse and Show Jumping.
Leading the star-studded line-up of entries is Caulfield Cup and Melbourne Cup winner Without A Fight, who will be joined by fellow elite-level scorers Hartnell, Eduardo, Communist and Lion’s Roar across the three days of competition.
While some competitors enjoyed Group 1 success during their racing careers, the Carnival will also celebrate thoroughbreds who have forged their reputations after leaving the track.
Among them is High Torque, the former Dean Grass-trained country galloper who made headlines at the prestigious Melbourne International 3-Day Event earlier this year when winning the Yulong Rising Stars Challenge only a few days after his final racetrack start.
High Torque, who will be ridden by his former trainer in the Rising Star Dressage and Combined Training classes, is being supported in his journey to the Off The Track Carnival by Seymour Racing Club, who recently announced Grass as the club’s inaugural Off The Track Ambassador.
The international appeal of the thoroughbred will also be on display, with horses that raced in countries across the globe - including Hong Kong, Ireland, Germany and Singapore - entered to compete at this year's Carnival. The global representation highlights the diverse pathways available to thoroughbreds after racing and the breed’s ability to thrive in new careers regardless of where their racing journey began.
One of the standout attractions across the three days will be the MRC Foundation Celebrity Show Jumping Challenge, which returns on Sunday after proving a crowd favourite at the inaugural Carnival.
The Challenge will feature a star-studded line-up of jockeys, trainers and equestrians, including Caulfield Cup and Melbourne Cup-winning jockey Jamie Melham, fellow riders Celine Gaudray and Daniel Stackhouse, trainers Matt Laurie, Lucy Yeomans and Charlotte Littlefield, World Cup showjumper Steven Hill, equestrian Demi McEvoy and Olympian Amanda Ross, who will ride former Caulfield Cup fourth-placegetter Constantinople.
The Challenge will also support KIDS Foundation, the Official Charity Partner of the 2026 Racing Victoria Off The Track Carnival, with MRC Foundation donating $500 for every rider who successfully clears the optional Melbourne Racing Club (MRC) Joker Jump as part of a clear round on Sunday.
The popularity of the Carnival continues to surge, with competition places filled within hours of entries opening earlier this year. The overwhelming demand reflects the growing strength of the Off The Track community and the increasing enthusiasm for opportunities that bring the racing and equestrian sectors together.
Importantly, the Carnival remains accessible for competitors with entry fees capped at $100 per horse per class, helping ensure Off The Track thoroughbreds (OTTs) from across the country can travel to Boneo Park and compete for significant prizemoney.
Open to any thoroughbred registered in the Australian or an International Thoroughbred Stud Book, the Carnival has again attracted strong support from sponsors across the world of thoroughbred racing, including Hong Kong Jockey Club, Melbourne Racing Club, Victoria Racing Club, Godolphin Lifetime Care, Inglis and MyRacehorse Australia.
Offering more than just competition with a vibrant Trade Village and the return of the Wall of Claim, the Carnival will provide attendees with the chance to meet industry experts, learn about OTT thoroughbreds and gain advice on connecting with their own OTT.
Admission remains free for spectators throughout the three-day event, with competition starting at 8am on Friday, 7am on Saturday and 7:30am on Sunday.
Quotes attributable to Racing Victoria General Manager - Equine Welfare, Melissa Ware
“The Racing Victoria Off The Track Carnival is a celebration of everything that makes the thoroughbred such a remarkable athlete.
“With competitors travelling from across Australia and horses with racing backgrounds from around the world, the Carnival showcases the versatility and adaptability of the thoroughbred in a truly unique way.
“To see all 500 competition spaces taken within hours of entries opening demonstrates not only the affordability and popularity of the Carnival, but also the continued growth of the Off The Track community and the strong relationship that exists between the racing and equestrian sectors.
“It's incredibly encouraging to see so many people embracing thoroughbreds in their second careers, and we cannot wait to experience the electric atmosphere across the three days.”
Quotes attributable to Boneo Park Chief Executive Officer, Greta Cooper
“We are delighted with how quickly the Racing Victoria Off The Track Carnival has established itself as a marquee event for retired racehorses and their riders.
“The speed at which entries filled this year highlights just how much momentum the Off The Track movement has generated and demonstrates what is possible after racing through dedication, teamwork and the strong support of the Off The Track community.
“Admission is free for spectators, and it’s a wonderful opportunity to see these incredible thoroughbreds showcase their versatility across Dressage, Combined Training, Show Jumping and Show Horse.
“With plenty to see and do, great food and drinks, shopping and entertainment, it’s a fantastic family-friendly day out at Boneo Park, whether you’re a horse lover or simply looking for something fun to do on the Mornington Peninsula.”
Click here to view the entries and competition schedule
Event Details
Racing Victoria Off The Track Carnival hosted by Boneo Park
Dates: 11-13 September 2026
Venue: Boneo Park Equestrian Centre, 312 Boneo Rd, Boneo, VIC, 3939
Admission: Free for spectators
Parking: Free on-site
Start Times: 8am on Friday, 7am on Saturday and 7:30am on Sunday
Schedule:
- Friday: Dressage
- Saturday: Combined Training
- Sunday: Show Horse, Show Jumping, VRC Fashions on the Field and MRC Foundation Celebrity Show Jumping Challenge
Food & Drink: Available to purchase from food trucks and the on-site café
Viewing: A seating area will be located next to the main arena to watch all the action