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.

ABOUT THE RACING VICTORIA OFF THE TRACK CARNIVAL HOSTED BY BONEO PARKThe 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.