Racing Victoria (RV) has reaffirmed its long-standing commitment to equine welfare with the return of the Off The Track Carnival at Boneo Park, to be held from 11–13 September 2026, following a hugely successful inaugural year and expanding in both scale and ambition.
Expanding from two days to three in 2026, the second annual Racing Victoria Off The Track Carnival will welcome up to 500 thoroughbreds to Boneo Park Equestrian Centre on the Mornington Peninsula, cementing its position as Victoria’s largest equestrian event dedicated to the breed.
Open to retired racehorses from across the country, the Off The Track Carnival bridges the gap between racing and equestrian disciplines, showcasing the versatility of the thoroughbred. Racing Victoria General Manager – Equine Welfare, Melissa Ware, believes creating these opportunities is key to the organisation’s welfare approach.
“Creating opportunities that showcase the versatility of the Thoroughbred beyond racing is central to our approach to equine welfare,” she said.
Positioned during Melbourne’s world-famous Spring Racing Carnival, the event is designed to shine a positive light on the wide range of post-racing pathways available, with Group 1 winners Zaaki and Hartnell among the many thoroughbreds excelling in second careers.
The carnival is open to all Off The Track (OTT) riders, with no membership required, and entry fees capped at $100 per horse per class (inclusive of administration and facility fees), ensuring the event remains both accessible and affordable.
Thanks to Racing Victoria’s principal sponsorship, the prizemoney pool will increase by more than $30,000 in 2026, with over $260,000 on offer across three days of competition. This includes a $500 bonus 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.
Boneo Park CEO Greta Cooper said the growth of the event reflects strong demand across the equestrian community.
“The response from competitors, spectators and the broader equestrian community was overwhelmingly positive… we’re excited to expand the program in 2026, with opportunity for 500 retired racehorses to compete for over $260,000 in prizemoney,” she said.
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 Equestrian Centre’s website.
Source: Racing Victoria press release
