NEWCASTLE RACECOURSE ANNOUNCES 2026 EQUIMILLION SPONSORSHIP RECIPIENTS

Newcastle Racecourse is proud to announce the recipients of its 2026

Equimillion Sponsorship Program, supporting three talented riders and their

horses as they prepare to compete at Australia's richest equestrian event

exclusively for retired Thoroughbred racehorses.

Following a strong response from the local equestrian community, Newcastle

Racecourse has selected three riders to represent the club at Equimillion 2026,

which will be held at the Sydney International Equestrian Centre, Horsley Park,

over the October Long Weekend from Friday 2 October to Monday 5 October

2026. The event will offer more than $1 million in prizemoney across Dressage,

Show Horse, Eventing and Show Jumping disciplines.

The Newcastle Racecourse-sponsored riders for Equimillion 2026 are:

• Emily Stalder and Juventus competing in

Preliminary Dressage and 60cm Show Jumping

• Makayah Fenwick and Grace and Glory competing

in Open Showjumping

• Mara McGavern and Found Out-Simon competing in

the Junior Eventing and Showjumping categories.

Newcastle Racecourse CEO Duane Dowell congratulated the successful

applicants on their selection.

"We were delighted by the calibre of applications received and the strong

connection so many riders and horses have with the Newcastle racing

community," Mr Dowell said.

"Emily, Makayah and Mara are wonderful ambassadors for the opportunities

available to horses beyond the racetrack and for the strong relationship that

exists between the racing and equestrian communities."

"We are proud to support their journey and look forward to following their

progress at Equimillion later this year."

The selected horses each have strong connections to the Newcastle racing

industry.

Juventus and Grace and Glory were trained by leading Newcastle Trainers Kris

Lees and Paul Perry respectively while Found Out-Simon was formerly trained

by long-time Newcastle horseman Jay Hopkins before transitioning to his

equestrian career.

As part of the sponsorship, Newcastle Racecourse has provided support to

cover each rider's Equimillion nomination, competition and stabling fees,

helping them take part in the prestigious four-day event.

Ahead of the competition, all three sponsored riders will make a special

appearance at Sharp Office Newcastle Gold Cup Day on Friday 18

September, participating in a demonstration parade celebrating the versatility

of horses with racing industry connections and their success in equestrian

sports.

Emily Stalder will parade Bengal Boy on the day, with Juventus continuing his

preparation for Equimillion.

Newcastle Racecourse congratulates Emily, Makayah and Mara on their

selection and wishes them every success as they prepare to compete at

Equimillion 2026.

About Equimillion

Equimillion is Australia's richest equestrian competition exclusively for retired

Thoroughbred racehorses. Held over four days at the Sydney International

Equestrian Centre, the event showcases the versatility, athleticism and

adaptability of Thoroughbreds beyond racing through competition in

Dressage, Show Horse, Eventing and Show Jumping disciplines. Equimillion 2026

will be held from 2 to 5 October 2026.

For further details, or to arrange an interview with CEO Duane Dowell please

contact Megan Hawkins on 0478 570 321 or megan@njc.com.au