Charity partners in the Community Chest can win up to $25,000 – like previous winners, Rise Above. Photo: Ben Appleton.
Canberra Racing Club has announced that the Canberra Community Chest Pool has received a $15,000 bonus through a new partnership with Canberra Southern Cross Club.
The 2026 Canberra Community Chest is a race-day spectacle scheduled for 22 November, with $200,000 in prize money up for grabs, plus a $50,000 community chest raised by Canberra Racing Club and Thoroughbred Park that will go to 12 charity and community partners.
The race will feature 12 runners, with one charity and community partner designated for each runner. Each partner receives a portion of the $50,000 chest based on their horse’s finishing position.
While the chest’s independent selection committee has already chosen 11 partners, the 12th spot remains open and will now go to a People’s Choice vote to decide the final partner.
Voting for the People’s Choice partner is now open, and the winner will be announced on 6 November after voting concludes.
Canberra Southern Cross Club’s generous contribution brings the chest pool to $65,000, enabling the last-placed charity partner to receive $2500, up from $1000.
“The Canberra Southern Cross Club is proud to partner with Thoroughbred Park through the community chest initiative,” Canberra Southern Cross Club chief executive Matt Walshe said.
“When two community-minded organisations join forces to support local charities, only good can come of it. By working together, we’re strengthening our ability to give back to the community and make a meaningful difference to the lives of Canberrans.”
Confirmed 2026 Canberra Community Chest partners include ACT Volunteer Brigades, Equine Pathways, Formally Formal Wear, Good Omen Goodeze, Palliative Care, Helping ACT, Pam’s Pantry and Pegasus Riding for the Disabled ACT.
Other partners include Rise Above (Eden Monaro Cancer Support Group), Seeyourself (NeuroGen Tech Collective) and Toora Women Incorporated.
Once voting is complete and the People’s Choice winning partner is announced, all 12 partners will unite with their equine hero at the Canberra Community Chest Black Tie, where they will randomly choose a horse to represent them in the race.
Voting for the 12th spot is open until 6 November 2026. To view the list of charities and to cast your vote, visit Thoroughbred Park Community Chest.
