The two-day program commenced Saturday, celebrating the versatility of off the track Thoroughbreds as they put their best hoof forward in their new careers, shining a spotlight on their transition from racing to equestrian performance.
With $235,000 in prize money up for grabs and 386 off the track Thoroughbreds set to take to the arena across four equestrian disciplines, crowds are set for an enthralling weekend.
Racing royalty descends on Boneo Park
Multimillion-dollar earners graced the arena on Saturday, including five-time Group One winner Santa Ana Lane with lifetime earnings of $8,067,975 and 2022 Melbourne Cup runner up Emissary who amassed $1,678,583 in prize money during his racing career.
It wasnโt just Cup winners who were on display, with a number of horses taking to the arena by legendary Melbourne Cup winning stallion Americain, including Yoicks Kimikain (Kimikain) ridden by Victorian Isabel Houghton and winner of the MyRacehorse Combined Training 105cm competition Prince Alfred (Gilded Prince).
Imogen Bergin and Prince Alfred (Gilded Prince) had a sensational day in the arena, also taking home the MyRacehorse Australia Combined Training Grand Champion Award and the Racing Victoria Highest Placed Next Gen Rider. Gilded Prince, who won $1,895.00 in prize money, is excelling in his new career.
Special award winners in the MyRacehorse Australia Combined Training included Godolphin Lifetime Care Highest Placed Rising Star Alice Lawrence and Never Again, Racing.com Highest Placed Masters Simon Mamouney and Wellington (Sir Plucka), and Racing Victoria Highest Placed VR Industry Jennifer Duffy and Notre Amour (Proletariat).
Stars align for Olympian
Australian Olympian Amanda Ross rode Valkyon to claim the win in the Godolphin Lifetime Care Combined Training 95cm. Ross and the bay gelding by Vancouver were also awarded the Racing Victoria Highest Placed Masters Award.
As Good As and Robyn Brown secured the win in the MyRacehorse Combined Training 80cm with Sophie Mueller and Baritone taking home the Godolphin Lifetime Care Combined Training 60cm.
The Thoroughbreds proved they also have what it takes in the dressage arena with Mariah Kaminski and Linton Street taking out both the Racing Victoria Dressage Grand Champion Award and the Elementary Dressage Championship. Retired in 2011, the 20-year-old gelding amassed $75,000 in prize money across 19 starts during his time on the track.
Kylah Brewer impressed judges aboard her Princess Keikilani to take out the Melbourne Racing Club Novice Dressage Championship. Brewer was also awarded the Racing Victoria Highest Placed VR Industry Award in the Championship.
Action continues Sunday.
Spectators can watch free at Boneo Park from 8am to witness the thrills of show jumping and show horse, and donโt miss the spectacular Melbourne Racing Club Celebrity Challenge, as some of equestrian and racingโs best go head-to-head in an awe-inspiring showdown hosted by Michael Felgate and Emily Riordan.
A heartfelt thank you to Racing Victoria and Off The Track alongside the Hong Kong Jockey Club, Melbourne Racing Club, MyRacehorse, Godolphin Lifetime Care, VRC and Winning Edge for making this celebratory carnival of thoroughbred talent possible.
Full results can be found here.
Source: Event press release by Click Capture
