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.