NSW to host new $1 million event for retired racehorses

A new equestrian event with $1 million in prize money exclusively for retired thoroughbred racehorses will be held over the October long weekend.

A new equestrian event with $1 million in prize money exclusively for retired thoroughbred racehorses will be held over the October long weekend.

Racing NSW today announced the new event which will be called Equimillion and will offer $1 million in prize money for two days of events from 2023.

“Equimillion will become the go to event for equestrian competitors in all disciplines,” said Racing NSW chief executive Peter V’landys.

“It has the potential to carry more than the $1 million in prize money and in time will be not only a major equestrian event but a major event for NSW with competitors coming from all states of Australia,” Mr V’landys said.

The event is designed to showcase the versatility of thoroughbred racehorses after they retire from racing and will include eventing, showjumping and dressage.

Showjumper Vicki Roycroft says she is “absolutely thrilled” about the new competition.

The first two-day Equimillion event will be held over the October long weekend in 2023 and ahead of that there will be an auction of retired thoroughbred racehorses that will be eligible to compete in the event.

It will be the biggest two-day equestrian event ever to be held in NSW and will have a strong focus on amateur competitors.

Racing NSW chief executive Peter V'landys says Equimillion has the potential to be a major event in NSW. Picture: Richard Dobson

It is the second major boost for show jumping in Australia after the Magic Millions announced a stand-alone event with $1 million in prize money on the Gold Coast.

That event follows the successful launch of show jumping at the Magic Millions with $100,000 in prize money in January this year.

Showjumper Vicki Roycroft, who represented Australia in three Olympic Games, was “absolutely thrilled” at the announcement.

“It is fantastic because this is not a sport people get rich in and it will help our young people in their careers,” she said. “I am just thrilled they are promoting our sport in this country.”

“I was brought up on thoroughbreds in showjumping and still have a couple in my current string. I will be adding some more now.

“This is fantastic because it shows there is a life for thoroughbreds after racing,” she said.