The children, aged 6-17, come from different backgrounds but are united by their passion for horses and their gratitude for the lifesaving care they received from The Royal Children’s Hospital.
The day included a meet-and-greet with past champions of the Melbourne Cup Carnival including Lexus Melbourne Cup winners Prince of Penzance, Almandin and Brew, as well as a special interactive session with the smallest members of the Living Legends family, the miniature ponies who share the Greenvale property with their larger and more famous stablemates.
Emma Dwyer, one of the parents who attended the event, said that it was a day that will be long remembered by her daughter Hannah and their family.
“Hannah was born with a complex cardiac condition, basically the right side of her heart was missing. Straight from birth, she had her first open heart surgery and five surgeries later, we are here telling our story. Every day we are thankful; we wouldn’t be here without The Royal Children’s Hospital,” Ms Dwyer said.
“Days like this just really show the support behind the Hospital; meeting different families and knowing that you’re not alone.”
VRC Executive General Manager of Brand, Marketing and Communications Jo King said that the morning was a meaningful way to recognise the important work of the Good Friday Appeal.
“Seeing the children here enjoying the opportunity to get up close and personal with their equine heroes really brought home the true meaning behind the Good Friday Appeal and the important work that it supports at The Royal Children’s Hospital,” Mrs King said.
“We are proud to add a worthy cause to the beloved Kennedy Oaks Day with the introduction of the Good Friday Appeal as the day’s inaugural community partner as we support our neighbours The Royal Children’s Hospital.
“Kennedy Oaks Day is the fourth highest attended race day in Australia and brings together so many elements that make our city great – elegant fashion, amazing entertainment and fantastic sporting action. This new partnership with the Good Friday Appeal adds an additional layer of community spirit to the race day that we believe will be appreciated by everyone who joins us trackside on Thursday 9 November.”
Earlier in the year, the VRC and Good Friday Appeal partnership raised $41,000 for The Royal Children’s Hospital with the Melbourne Cup Carnival set to build on that figure.
The 2023 Melbourne Cup Carnival begins with Penfolds Victoria Derby Day on Saturday 4 November followed by Lexus Melbourne Cup Day on Tuesday 7 November, Kennedy Oaks Day on Thursday 9 November and TAB Champions Stakes Day on Saturday 11 November.
All the action from the 2023 Melbourne Cup Carnival can be seen live and free on 10 and 10 Play.
