MEDIA RELEASE
Gosford Race Club to Sponsor Two Riders to Compete at the 2026 Equimillion Competition
For the fifth year running, Racing NSW and Equestrian Australia have announced the return of the $1 million Equimillion competition, taking place over the October Long Weekend at Sydney International Equestrian Centre.
Equimillion celebrates the versatility and suitability of Thoroughbred racehorses in their second careers after racing, with competitors showcasing their horses across four disciplines: Eventing, Showjumping, Dressage and Show Horse. Awards will again be presented across Junior, Amateur and Open Professional divisions.
Following competitor feedback and a review of the 2025 event, several exciting updates have been introduced for Equimillion 2026 to enhance competitor experience, scheduling and horse welfare.
These include:
- Dressage and Jumping competitors will now complete one dressage test or one jumping round per class, allowing greater flexibility to compete in additional classes on the same day.
- Show Horse competitors will complete one workout during the ridden section, allowing more time for judging and extended workout formats.
- The introduction of four New Star Preparation Classes, providing walk and trot competition opportunities for recently retired Thoroughbreds beginning their off-the-track journey across all four disciplines.
The New Star Thoroughbred classes will once again be free to enter, with nomination and competition fees waived for eligible horses that have officially retired from racing after 1 October 2025.
The 2026 competition will be held across four days:
Friday 2 October – Show Horse & Dressage
Saturday 3 October – Dressage & Eventing Dressage
Sunday 4 October – Eventing Jumping & Cross Country
Monday 5 October – Showjumping
Gosford Race Club is proud to continue supporting this outstanding initiative by sponsoring two competitors to represent the Club at this year’s competition.
The Club will offer two sponsorships valued at $1,000 (+GST) each to assist with the successful riders’ nomination and competition fees.
To be eligible to apply for Gosford Race Club funding, applicants must meet one or more of the following criteria:
- Have ridden trackwork for a registered Gosford trainer within the last 12 months.
- Have worked for a registered Gosford trainer within the last 12 months.
- Own or compete with a Thoroughbred racehorse that has raced or been trained at Gosford within the last five years.
Applicants are encouraged to ensure they have read and meet all Equimillion eligibility requirements before submitting their application.
To be eligible for Equimillion, horses must be retired Thoroughbreds that meet Racing NSW’s eligibility requirements, including being bred, trained, trialled or raced in New South Wales (subject to the published eligibility criteria).
Successful applicants will be selected by representatives of Gosford Race Club and notified by phone and email. An announcement will then be made introducing the two riders representing Gosford Race Club at Equimillion 2026. Successful riders must be available for media and promotional opportunities in the lead-up to the event.
For full competition information, eligibility criteria and nominations, visit www.equimillion.com.au.
Applications for Gosford Race Club sponsorship can be submitted via www.theentertainmentgrounds.com.au/equimillion26form/
Terms and Conditions Apply.
