Team Thoroughbred NSW Graduates Take Centre Stage at Equimillion

Equimillion, Australia’s premier event celebrating retired Thoroughbred racehorses, once again highlighted the Thoroughbred’s outstanding versatility, athleticism and trainability. Ten Team Thoroughbred NSW graduates took centre stage, showcasing their seamless transition into life after racing across Show Horse, Dressage, Show Jumping, Stockmans Challenge and Eventing.

Competition Highlights

The weekend opened with strong results across the Show Horse and Dressage arenas. Jessyka Nudd and Rockin Zeus made an eye-catching impression, contesting the Led Show Horse Gelding class, securing 4th place in Fashions on the Arena (18–29 Years) and executing polished tests in the Preliminary Amateur Dressage. Joining them in the fashion ring, Gabrielle Mclean and Aeonian claimed 5th place in Junior Fashions on the Arena.

In the dressage arena, Sweeping Brook, ridden by Orla Sheridan, established early consistency by placing 3rd in the Amateur Preliminary Dressage—setting up a standout multi-discipline campaign.

Saturday marked a major milestone for the program with the debut of the Stockman’s Challenge. Team Thoroughbred NSW graduates showcased exceptional agility, responsiveness and stock sense across whip cracking, obstacle course and working horse patterns. Papadum and Dave Winter delivered a masterclass in horsemanship to claim Overall Champion. The team’s strength in the Stockmans Challenge was further underscored by Dani Altham and Seamus Son placing 4th overall, followed closely by Danielle Hamilton and Stewart Island in 5th overall.

Sunday saw combinations test their speed, stamina and precision across the eventing phases. Sweeping Brook and Orla Sheridan carried their dressage momentum into the cross-country and jumping arenas. In the junior ranks, Tayla Glynn guided All Up Tee Kay to a fantastic 4th place finish in the EvA 65 Junior Eventing, while Dani Altham with Seamus Son and Zali Keegan with Romantic Approach both completed reliable, competitive efforts in the EvA 65 division.

The final day brought fast-paced action in the jumping arenas and Pony Club combined performance championships. In the show jumping, Elsa Ribel-Vigneau and Kuiper Belt led the charge in the higher grades, producing a standout round to claim 3rd place in the 120cm Show Jumping. Youth rider Gabrielle Mclean capped off a versatile weekend aboard Aeonian, securing 4th place in the competitive Pony Club Combined Performance Championship (15 & Under 17 Years) alongside a strong showing in the 65cm Junior Show Jumping. The junior and amateur divisions also saw impressive, confident jumping rounds, with Lydia Proctor guiding Not At First Sight across the 65cm and 80cm Junior classes, while Taylor Smith and Savant De Lune delivered solid performances in the 65cm and 80cm Amateur show jumping divisions.

New Initiatives Expanding Thoroughbred Pathways

Equimillion 2026 introduced innovative features designed to open new post-racing avenues and showcase Thoroughbred adaptability:

The Inaugural Stockman’s Challenge & ABCRA Partnership

To expand opportunities within western disciplines, Racing NSW and Team Thoroughbred NSW formed an exciting strategic affiliation with the Australian Bushmen’s Campdraft and Rodeo Association to launch the Stockman’s Challenge.

The Stockman’s Challenge tested horse and rider partnerships across whip cracking, obstacle negotiation and working horse patterns. Crafted by Bernie Sutton, the initiative highlights the natural cattle sense and versatility of retired Thoroughbred racehorses. Special congratulations go to Champion combination Papadum and Dave Winter, as well as placegetters Seamus Son and Stewart Island.

The Riding School Challenge

Created by Equine Welfare Consultant Sally McFadyen, this initiative brought riding schools from across New South Wales into the main indoor arena. Coach-and-pupil pairings performed customised workouts incorporating walk, trot and canter to demonstrate precision, harmony and trainability.

Participating riding schools included:

• Belridge Equestrian
• TARCOOLA EQUESTRIAN CENTRE
• Centennial Equestrian
• C.H. Horsemanship
• Papillon Riding School
• Flinton Park Equestrian
• Sterntaler Equestrian Services PTY Ltd
• Turlinjah Park Equestrian Centre
• Rosthwaite Farm

Sincere thanks go to the official judging and organisational team: Roger Fitzhardinge, Carolyn James, Julane Bowen, Sue Birch, and Jade Findlay.

Educational Masterclasses

Throughout the event, Team Thoroughbred NSW presented an insightful series of masterclasses aimed at educating and inspiring spectators on retraining techniques and career pathways:

• Friday: Kate Nipperess, alongside Riding for the Disabled and Equine Pathways Australia, showcased a dressage freestyle demonstration. The session included insights from RDA Manager Nicole King and EPA representatives Lucinda Casey, Alexandra Shepherd and Suzie Watts.
• Saturday Evening: Sam Lyle provided expert commentary during a live Show Jumping Masterclass held as part of the Thoroughbred Showcase.
• Sunday: An Equestrian NSW coaching panel hosted an engaging masterclass, equipping riding school participants with practical skills and tools to confidently manage and train retired racehorses.
• Monday: Team Thoroughbred NSW graduate Rapid Fire partnered with Vaulting Champion Marley Stewart for a captivating display of equestrian vaulting.

Community & Property Team Engagement

Beyond the competition arenas, Team Thoroughbred NSW maintained a bustling marquee throughout the weekend, serving as a hub for riders, owners and spectators to connect with team members.

It was also a privilege to welcome Equine Welfare Property Managers Bernie Sutton (Oxley Island), Rex Keogh (Bandanora) and Ed Tucker (St Heliers) to Equimillion. For the property management team, witnessing former racehorses thriving in their second careers proved to be a standout highlight. Congratulations to all who participated in Equimillion 2026.

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