The Melbourne Racing Club (MRC) Foundation has confirmed it will return as a proud partner of Tour d’Horse in 2026, launching its support by backing the KIDS Foundation as one of the official beneficiary charities at Herald Sun Caulfield Charity Family Day.
KIDS Foundation has been selected as one of 12 charity partners for the event, to be held at Caulfield Racecourse on Saturday 7 February, providing a powerful platform for the racing community and racegoers to support children and families impacted by trauma and injury.
The MRC Foundation is eagerly anticipating the return of Tour d’Horse in 2026 and is proud to stand alongside the racing industry in support of KIDS Foundation, with the shared ambition to exceed the $1.17 million raised in 2025.
MRC Foundation Chairman Caitrin Kelly said the partnership reflects the MRC’s deep commitment to meaningful community impact.
“Tour d’Horse is a powerful example of what our industry can achieve when we come together around a shared cause,” Mrs Kelly said.
“We are incredibly proud to return as a partner in 2026 and to support the KIDS Foundation through Herald Sun Caulfield Charity Family Day as we work together to create real and lasting change for children and families.”
For more than 30 years, KIDS Foundation has supported children, young people and families who have experienced unimaginable trauma and injury, reaching more than 300,000 individuals each year through trauma recovery, injury support, education and wellbeing programs.
KIDS Foundation CEO and Founder Dr Susie O’Neill OAM said the ongoing support of the MRC Foundation and the racing community is vital to the charity’s impact.
“The MRC Foundation has been an incredible supporter of KIDS Foundation and Tour d’Horse,” Dr O’Neill said.
“With their continued backing, and the support of the racing community, we are determined to build on last year’s momentum and exceed the $1.17 million raised in 2025, ensuring we can reach even more children and families on their recovery journey.”
Established in 2015, the MRC Foundation has contributed more than $6 million to initiatives supporting racing, equine welfare and the broader community. Working alongside the Melbourne Racing Club, its members and partners, the Foundation continues to deliver meaningful outcomes for the communities it serves.
As part of Herald Sun Caulfield Charity Family Day, racegoers and the wider community will have the opportunity to bid on blockbuster silent auction items, headlined by race-worn, signed memorabilia from Jamie Melham’s history-making Caulfield Cup and Melbourne Cup double aboard dual champion Half Yours, with pieces also signed by Caulfield Cup-winning trainers Tony and Calvin McEvoy. The auction will also feature authenticated winning artefacts and an ultra-exclusive “money can’t buy” race-day experience with Gai Waterhouse.
All funds raised will directly support KIDS Foundation programs nationwide. Together, we are racing toward a better future.
-ENDS-
For more information about the KIDS Foundation and Tour d’Horse, visit kidsfoundation.org.au
About KIDS Foundation: KIDS Foundation (Kids-in-Dangerous-Situations) is a leading Australian charity supporting children and young people who have experienced traumatic events resulting in life-altering injuries, burns and genetic conditions that impact appearance and capability. Horses are central to KIDS Foundation programs, offering connection, confidence-building and opportunity through equine-based initiatives. Through trauma recovery programs, camps, customised education and community engagement, KIDS Foundation empowers children and their families to overcome adversity and rebuild strong lives.
About Tour d’Horse: Tour d’Horse is the KIDS Foundation’s annual major fundraising event, uniting endurance, horsemanship and purpose in the heart of the Upper Hunter Valley. Held over six days in May, riders traverse challenging terrain across Belltrees Station and surrounding country, pushing themselves physically and mentally in support of children and families impacted by trauma and injury.
Tour d’Horse brings the racing and broader community together, with all riders partnered with retired racehorses. Built on trust, partnership and shared resilience, these off-the-track thoroughbreds carry their riders across the journey, showcasing their athleticism, generosity and adaptability beyond the racetrack, while forging a powerful connection between horse, rider and cause.
In 2025, Tour d’Horse raised $1.17 million, enabling the KIDS Foundation to support more than 300,000 children nationwide. In 2026, the event aims to build on this momentum, raising vital funds to deliver trauma recovery, education and wellbeing programs that help children and families rebuild strong lives. Tour d’Horse 2026 will run from 11 - 18 May.
About MRC: Melbourne Racing Club is a not-for-profit members club with over 15,500 members. It conducts more than 80 race meetings annually across three premier racetracks in Victoria - Caulfield, Mornington and Sportsbet Sandown.
MRC Foundation is the charitable arm of the Melbourne Racing Club, housing the club’s charitable and community work under a centralised brand.
Pegasus Leisure Group operates a portfolio of fifteen hotel and club venues located across greater Melbourne. Attracting over 65,000 customers a month, and servicing over 55,000 loyalty members, its venues offer a diverse array of hospitality options ranging from state- of-the-art sports bars with wagering facilities, bistros, outdoor dining spaces, designated kids areas, private function spaces and more.
*Downloadable links - All vision and music contained within the clip are rights free…
VNR: Caufield Charity Family Day - KIDS, Jamie Melham, Demi McEvoy & 'Half Yours' VNR
Highlights Clip: Caulfield Charity Family Day - KIDS Clip with Jamie Melham & Demi McEvoy
KIDS Foundation:
Melanie Mullen 0418 331 994 [email protected]
Contact details:
Melanie Mullen 0418 331 994
