Racing NSW confirmed last week that the highly-anticipated Equimillion would go ahead over the October long weekend at the prestigious Sydney International Equestrian Centre (SIEC).
An Equestrian Australia-sanctioned event, Equimillion will run over three days from September 30 to October 2 and will showcase the ‘versatility and suitability of Thoroughbreds’ for careers outside of racing in the four disciplines of dressage, show jumping, eventing, and show horse.
Racing NSW Chairman Russell Balding has stated that the “Equimillion has the potential to become The Everest of the equestrian world and will be a game changer in terms of providing an enhanced future life for retired thoroughbred racehorses.”
As intimated by the competition’s name, there is some serious prize money up for grabs.
Open to retired NSW racehorses, junior, amateur, and open professional competitors will compete across 44 events at the 2023 Equimillion, with $1,320,000 in prize money on offer.
Following the long-awaited announcement, there has been mixed feedback on social media, with many prominent equestrian identities voicing their opinions on the cost to enter and eligibility requirements.
Brooke Somers, who’s entered horses to compete, praised Racing NSW and was supportive of Equimillion and the eligibility criteria.
“This is going to be incredible,” Somers wrote on Facebook.
“I’ve never been more excited to go to a horse show. (I’ve) seen a bit of negative commentary regarding it being only for open to NSW predominantly horses, but the agenda is set to increase demand for NSW-raced horses.
“It’s up to other states to do their own thing; until we have a national body governing OTTB (Off The Track Thoroughbred) horses, we can only deal with NSW-based issues.
“We should be thanking Racing NSW for the inception of this incredible event.”
Somers was happy with the cost to enter, explaining that the Equimillion was in line, if not more affordable than other major equestrian events.
“As for the cost, that’s what shows cost; most entries for big events on the scale of this would be more,” Somers wrote.
“We’ve never in the history of the universe been eligible for a $30,000, 60cm class or novice test or showing event, so quit your bitchin’ and get on the arena and get schooling!”
While she won’t be entering, Louise Ellis ‘loves’ the Equimillion concept.
“I have the horses; I wish I had the experience in any one of these disciplines; I’d be there in a heartbeat if I did,” she wrote on Racing NSW’s Facebook post.
“Great incentive for rehoming New South Welshman-trained horses.”
Still, a vast majority commenting on the upcoming Equimillion had their concerns.
Respected competitor Jeanan Yasseen believes the Equimillion can work, but she questioned the entry fee and eligibility criteria.
“In principle, this is a wonderful idea, just badly executed,” Yasseen wrote on the Equestrian Australian Facebook page.
“Wondering how much consultation with the broader network there has been? Particularly with trainers and the bodies already implementing brilliant TB classes into their programs.”
Yasseenn believes industry consultation and some changes to the Equimillion competition could make it work.
“I completely support all the questioning comments on this post but would love to find a way to make this idea work rather than kill it,” she wrote.
“Maybe look at changing eligibility and the entry fees? Could turn this idea into a glorious celebration of our amazing TBs (Thoroughbreds) rather than a PR disaster.”
Mary Holman shared a similar sentiment, highlighting the exclusivity of the event.
“Love the idea. Showcase the breed and the TB’s capabilities, but seems way too exclusive for most to attend,” she wrote on the Equestrian Australian (EA) Facebook page.
“Does anyone know what consultation occurred to anyone outside these organisations?”
Emma Wyvill isn’t a fan of the Equimillion in its current format and doesn’t believe the competition is in line with most competitors and their horses.
“Missed the mark in a huge way here; neither EA nor Racing NSW needed to show further proof of how out of touch/clueless they are,” she wrote on the Equestrian Australian Facebook post.
“Thank god for the TSHA (Thoroughbred Sport Horse Association) for their innovation and vision.”
Tylah Webley believes it wrong that Equestrian Australia is hosting an NSW-only event and one that caters for those that can afford the ‘ridiculous’ entry fees.
“Disappointing event, really,” she wrote on the Equestrian Australian Facebook page.
“Ridiculous to suggest EA is hosting an exclusive TB event when that is not true. It’s exclusive to a TB that has raced and retired in NSW.
“Equestrian Australia is the whole of Australia, so why are you limiting it to NSW only?
“Also, not sure what uneducated idiot thought that rich people own OTTBs; they often own purpose-bred horses.
A lot of OTT owners (I would say the majority) are grassroots and amateur riders, so making it about $1100 to enter is ridiculous.
“You are excluding so many OTTBs that should be able to showcase what they can do.
“On top of that, most equestrians pay an entry fee to win a 50c ribbon. Because at the end of the day, it’s not about money; it’s about spending time with the horse and enjoying the ride, which EA and Racing NSW obviously do not understand.”
Racing NSW CEO Peter V’landys hit back at criticism, explaining that the Equimillion gives competitors a unique opportunity to compete for top-tier prize money with their OTTB horses.
“Like any other product you purchase, you need to look at the value you’re receiving,” V’landys told NSW Country and Picnic Racing.
“The $1000 entry fee enables you to compete in two events which carry prizemoney of $60,000.
“There will be 44 classes at $30,000 a class. Total prizemoney of $1,320,000.”
“At the moment, you can enter a competition for a $100 entry fee; however, the prize may be a ribbon.
“No one is stopping you from continuing to compete in the existing events. If, however, you wish to compete for $60,000 (at the Equimillion), there is naturally a higher entry fee.
“Most will win the entry fee as prizemoney is paid to 5th place with 5th place prizemoney being $1000.”
It remains to be seen how successful the inaugural Equimillion will be in terms of total competitors, the quality of rider and horse, and whether it does showcase the versatility and suitability of Thoroughbreds for careers outside of racing.
Still, one thing is for sure, and that is Racing NSW will be sticking to its guns in the lead-up to the rich NSW-only OTTB event.
For more on the Equimillion, click here.
