Olympian Amanda Ross and Valkyon were the Dressage Elementary Champions and Combined Training 115cm Champions at the 2026 Off The Track Carnival. Image by Equisoul Photography.
The 2026 Off The Track Carnival once again showcased the extraordinary versatility of Thoroughbreds beyond racing, with hundreds of horse and rider combinations demonstrating the strength of the breed and the enduring appeal of life after the track.
Following a hugely successful inaugural year, Racing Victoria’s Off The Track Carnival returned to Boneo Park Equestrian Centre on the Mornington Peninsula from 11 to 13 September. Expanding from two days to three this year, the event welcomed nearly 500 OTTs and made the most of both the venue’s newly revamped facilities and perfect spring weather.
Open to Thoroughbreds from across the country, entry fees were capped to ensure the event remained accessible, while an increased prizemoney pool saw more than $260,000 awarded. This included $5,000 for each of the 23 championship winners. A further $500 bonus was awarded in every championship to the highest-placed Masters (45 years and over), Next Generation (18 years and under), and Racing Industry (licensed, registered or acknowledged by Racing Victoria) competitors.
The addition of Rising Star classes added yet another dimension to this year’s Carnival. Offered across multiple disciplines, these divisions were open to Australian Stud Book-registered Thoroughbreds that had raced or trialled within two years of the event. The classes provided a glimpse into the future of equestrian sport, showcasing emerging talent as these Thoroughbreds embarked on their second careers.
While prizemoney was certainly a welcome incentive, the Carnival’s focus on inclusivity was a key drawcard for many competitors, who were eager to showcase the unique partnerships they had built with their Thoroughbreds.
From Dressage and Combined Training to Showjumping and Show Horse classes, the athleticism and adaptability of these horses were on full display. While they all shared a history of being bred for a career on the track, no two stories were the same.
AGE IS JUST A NUMBER
For Lorraine Hall and Von Trap, the Carnival marked the 23-year-old gelding’s competition swan song. Lorraine, 67, bred Von Trap herself, and while he never made it to the races, she has ridden him since he was four years old. After almost two decades of competition and a combined age of 90, the pair captured the hearts of spectators in the Elementary Dressage tests during the Carnival.
Lorraine Hall and Von Trap, who enjoyed his competition swan song at the Carnival. Image by Sarah Walker Photography.
Competing alongside them in the same class was Olympian Amanda Ross and her eight-year-old gelding Valkyon, who had several race starts under trainer Caroline Jennings. The partnership has gone from strength to strength, with Amanda and “Hank” claiming both the Dressage Elementary Championship and the Combined Training 115cm Championship, demonstrating just how versatile OTTs can be.
Delwyn Ogilvy served as reserve rider for Australia’s gold medal-winning eventing team at the 1992 Barcelona Olympic Games aboard a Thoroughbred, and she remains as passionate about the breed as ever. After a neck injury limited her jumping in recent years, she turned her focus to dressage. At the Carnival, she partnered her beloved Wairua (Bonny Ezra) to claim the Dressage Novice Championship.
The gelding had raced extensively before coming to Del via Racing Victoria Acknowledged Retrainer Jen Duffy and enjoyed success in the Preliminary classes at last year’s Carnival. While Delwyn and Wairua were there to enjoy the experience, they have clearly stepped up over the past 12 months, producing two polished and consistent tests in a highly competitive field.
Young rider Penny Mawhinney and Sail On By claimed the Showjumping 105cm Championship, an achievement made even more impressive by Penny’s eligibility for the Next Generation division. Twenty-year-old Sail On By was retrained and competed by Racing Victoria Acknowledged Retrainer Louise Abey in both eventing and showjumping and is now helping to teach daughter Penny the ropes.
Penny Mawhinney and Sail On By won the Showjumping 105cm Championship. Image by Equisoul Photography.
Another young rider eligible for the Next Generation division, Charlie Sheers was crowned Showjumping 60cm Champion aboard Lord Boulevard. Charlie’s achievement was made even more special as the young rider, who is on the autism spectrum, took over the ride from his mum, Nicole, who competed the gelding in the Preliminary classes. Not only are Charlie and ‘Bob’ formidable competitors in the jumping arena, they are also the best of mates, as was evident to all who watched them at Boneo.
STAR GALLOPERS SWITCH STRIDE
While many of the OTTs competing at the Carnival enjoyed modest racing careers, several former stars of the track were also in attendance.
Group 1 winner Communist, trained during his racing career by Michael Freedman, is now owned and ridden by the stable’s racing manager, Sophie Johnson. Not long retired from racing, the gelding contested the Preliminary classes, Rising Star Combined Training 80cm and Showjumping 90cm.
Sophie Johnson and Communist, a former Group 1 winning racehorse. Image by Sarah Walker Photography.
Former Doomben 10,000 and Galaxy winner Eduardo, who amassed more than $6.6 million in prizemoney during his racing career, returned to Boneo for another year with Rachel Fiala in the saddle. The pair made the most of the event, competing in the Preliminary classes and 60cm Combined Training and Showjumping.
Former Geelong Cup winner and Melbourne Cup runner-up Emissary was also in action, partnering Mariah Kaminski in the Rising Star Preliminary classes.
The 2026 Off The Track Carnival once again showcased the remarkable versatility, trainability and heart of the Thoroughbred beyond racing. From young riders to Olympians, former Group 1 stars, and lifelong partners enjoying a final lap of honour, the event celebrated every stage of the off-the-track journey.
OFF THE TRACK CARNIVAL CHAMPIONSHIP WINNERS:
Dressage:
Dressage Preliminary Champion Division A: Vanda Morgan (Masters) and Sir Gunsen
Dressage Preliminary Champion Division B: Georgiana House and Carlisle
Rising Star Dressage Preliminary Champion: Bree Cocks (VR Industry Participant) and She’s Rich Enuff
Dressage Novice Champion: Delwyn Ogilvy (Masters) and Wairua (Bonny Ezra)
Dressage Elementary Champion: Amanda Ross (Masters) and Valkyon
Combined Training:
Combined Training 60cm Champion: Madison Jackson and Ardington Reverie (Only George)
Rising Star Combined Training 60cm Champion: Bree Cocks (VR Industry Participant) and She’s Rich Enuff
Combined Training 80cm Champion: Regina Knobel (Masters and VR Industry Participant) and Hillview Park Standing Ovation (Tuscante)
Rising Star Combined Training 80cm Champion: Toni Shave (VR Industry Participant) and Darwin Park Whittaker (The Crying Game)
Combined Training 95cm Champion: Toni Shave (VR Industry Participant) and Darwin Park Stinga (Stinga)
Combined Training 105cm Champion: Lara McNally and Tenacious Red
Combined Training 115cm Champion: Amanda Ross (Masters) and Valkyon
Show Jumping:
Showjumping 60cm Champion: Charles Sheers (Next Gen) and Lord Boulevard
Rising Star Showjumping 60cm Champion: Laura Crane and My Name Is Monty
Showjumping 75cm Champion: Sofia Perks (VR Industry Participant) and Looking Around
Rising Star Showjumping 75cm Champion: Erica George and Shindig Sunday
Showjumping 90cm Champion: Grace Chantler (VR Industry Participant) and Quencher
Showjumping 105cm Champion: Penny Mawhinney (Next Gen) and Sail On By
Showjumping 120cm Champion: Andrew Long and St James Palace
Show Horse:
Show Horse Grand Champion: Ali Kent (VR Industry Participant) and Loco
Show Horse Rising Star Led & Ridden Champion: Ali Kent (VR Industry Participant) and Loco
Show Horse Led Show Hack Champion: Josh Clarke and SLM Fascination (Our Ambition)
Show Horse Led Show Hunter Champion: Josh Clarke and SLM Hustler (Areyoulistening)
Show Horse Ridden Show Hack Champion: Josh Clarke and SLM Fascination (Our Ambition)
Show Horse Ridden Show Hunter Champion: Josh Clarke and SLM Hustler (Areyoulistening) EQ
This article was written in conjunction with Racing Victoria Off The Track. To learn more about the Off The Track program, visit www.ottcommunity.com.au
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