MEDIA RELEASE
KIDS FOUNDATION NAMED CHARITY PARTNER OF 2026 RACING VICTORIA OFF THE TRACK CARNIVAL
KIDS Foundation has been announced as the official charity partner of the 2026 Racing Victoria Off The Track Carnival hosted by Boneo Park, bringing together a shared belief in the power of horses to create connection, opportunity and positive change.
Held from 11–13 September at Boneo Park Equestrian Centre, the Carnival is Victoria’s largest equestrian event dedicated to thoroughbreds, with up to 500 retired racehorses expected to compete across three days and free admission for spectators.
For more than 30 years, KIDS Foundation has supported children, young people and families impacted by trauma, serious injury and disabling health conditions, with horses playing an important role in the Foundation’s work.
Through its annual Tour d’Horse, KIDS Foundation brings together the racing, breeding and equestrian communities for a unique charity ride through the Upper Hunter Valley. Off The Track thoroughbreds play a central role, helping raise vital funds and awareness while showcasing their versatility and potential beyond the racetrack.
Two horses with special Tour d’Horse connections will continue their journeys at Boneo Park.
Sweepero, ridden by Demi McEvoy across the past two Tour d’Horse events, had just two starts on the racetrack before being retrained, going on to play polo and now compete in the equestrian arena. Demi and Sweepero will compete together at this year’s Off The Track Carnival, showcasing the many opportunities available to thoroughbreds beyond racing.
They will be joined by Group 1 winner Communist and Sophie Johnson, an integral part of the Michael Freedman Racing team and a great supporter of Tour d’Horse. Following Communist’s retirement from racing, Sophie took him on and retrained him for his equestrian career. The pair have since added Tour d’Horse to their adventures, taking to the Upper Hunter hills for KIDS Foundation in both 2025 and 2026, and will now make the journey to Boneo Park to compete at the Off The Track Carnival.
The strong Tour d’Horse connection will continue across the Carnival, with a number of riders also competing at Boneo Park, including Amanda Ross, Jamie Melham, Jo McEvoy and Caitrin Kelly.
KIDS Foundation will have a strong presence across the three days, raising funds and giving visitors the opportunity to learn more about its work with children and families.
Adding to the fundraising effort, MRC Foundation will donate $500 to KIDS Foundation for every rider who takes on the optional Melbourne Racing Club (MRC) joker jump and clears it as part of a clear round in the MRC Foundation Celebrity Show Jumping Challenge on the final day of the Carnival.
KIDS Foundation’s much-loved miniature horses Carm and Eleven Eleven will also be at Boneo Park for families to meet, helping create conversations around horses, safety, wellbeing and the work of KIDS Foundation.
Quotes attributed to Boneo Park Owner and Solomon Family Foundation Director, Georgia Solomon:
“We’re proud to support KIDS Foundation and their equine-assisted programs, which show just how powerful the connection between horses and people can be.
“The Off The Track Carnival at Boneo Park is a fantastic way to celebrate the incredible potential of retired thoroughbreds while shining a light on the life-changing work KIDS Foundation does for children and families.”
Quotes attributed to Racing Victoria General Manager – Equine Welfare, Melissa Ware:
“We’re delighted to welcome KIDS Foundation as the official charity partner of the 2026 Racing Victoria Off The Track Carnival.
“KIDS Foundation has developed a special connection with off the track thoroughbreds through its education and recovery programs and its annual major fundraiser Tour d’Horse, making it a natural charity partner for an event celebrating the versatility of retired racehorses and the opportunities available beyond racing.”
Quotes attributed to KIDS Foundation CEO Dr Susie O’Neill OAM:
“We are incredibly grateful to Racing Victoria and Boneo Park for welcoming KIDS Foundation as the charity partner of the 2026 Off The Track Carnival.
“Off The track thoroughbreds have a very special place at KIDS Foundation. Their incredible nature and versatility see them thrive in second careers, from Tour d’Horse and equestrian sport to supporting children through our equine-assisted programs.
“The joy and connection they give back is incredibly special, helping our children and families build trust and confidence, reconnect and create strong lives.”
ABOUT THE RACING VICTORIA OFF THE TRACK CARNIVAL HOSTED BY BONEO PARK
The Racing Victoria Off The Track Carnival returns to Boneo Park from 11–13 September 2026, expanding from two days to three following the success of its inaugural year.
Up to 500 thoroughbreds will compete across 23 championship classes, with more than $260,000 in prizemoney on offer across Dressage, Combined Training, Show Jumping and Show Horse.
The Carnival will also feature Rising Star championship classes for recently retired racehorses, alongside the trade village, fashion classes, VIP event, Wall of Claim and MRC Foundation Celebrity Show Jumping Challenge.
The event is free for spectators.
For further event information visit: boneopark.com.au
ABOUT KIDS FOUNDATION
For more than 30 years, KIDS Foundation has supported children, young people and families across Australia whose lives have been changed by trauma, serious injury and disabling health conditions.
From accidents and burns to abuse, neglect, violent crime and disabling health conditions, KIDS Foundation helps children and families rebuild confidence, strengthen connections and move forward through recovery programs, camps, peer support, education and prevention initiatives, reaching more than 300,000 people each year.
Horses play an important role in the KIDS Foundation’s work, including through Tour d’Horse, equine wellbeing programs and recovery camps.
Downloadable VNR: Demi McEvoy & OTT Sweepero VNR
Downloadable Cut Clip: KIDS Foundation Charity Partner for Racing Victoria OTT Carnival For more information visit: kidsfoundation.org.au
For more information visit: kidsfoundation.org.au
ENDS