Northern Territory Institute of Equestrian Sport

BIG NEWS: GO SLOW DATE CHANGE

The Go Slow Mindil Beach Picnic Races are moving to a new date:

📅 Saturday, 29 May 2027

From the very beginning, we had a vision for Go Slow. We are creating an iconic Territory experience with the potential to become a permanent fixture on the Dry Season calendar. to do this takes time, careful planning and meaningful stakeholder engagement.

Moving to May 2027 gives us the time and space to make that vision a reality.

Think more action on the beach, a broader program, expanded hospitality experiences, more entertainment and even more reasons to make a day of it on Mindil Beach.

We’re not scaling back. We’re building up. 🐎

The heart of Go Slow remains exactly the same: the same iconic beach, the same laid-back Territory spirit and the same commitment to supporting the RSL Darwin Sub-Branch and a sunset DJ dance with the Potbelleez.
All of our partners support this postponement.

Here’s what you can still look forward to:

🏖️ A full day of live entertainment, music, beach racing and Territory humour, from 11.30am through to sunset

🐴 Six delightfully unpredictable beach horse races featuring retired racehorses and ponies with plenty of personality

👗 Fashions on the Sand, with five categories and great prizes up for grabs

🎧 The Potbelleez closing out the day with a sunset DJ set

🍹 Expanded food, drinks and hospitality experiences

🌅 One unforgettable afternoon on the sands of Mindil Beach

A huge thank you to everyone who has believed in Go Slow from the very beginning.

We can’t wait to welcome you to Mindil Beach on 29 May 2027 for an even bigger, bolder and more memorable first year.

📅 Saturday 29 May 2027
🎟️ goslowbeachraces.com.au

Celebrating Equestrian Excellence

🥇Vicki Martin and her dance partner ‘Warrego Waves’, are congratulated on their outstanding performance at the Alice Springs Show; winning both of their Preparatory dressage tests in style.

Vicki lives with advanced Rheumatoid arthritis and has a number of physical barriers to overcome just to get in the saddle. Her determination to continue to ride, grow and even compete is truly inspirational.

‘Don’t wait for it all to be perfect - do the training; go to the competition and keep learning!’

A huge thank you to Thoroughbred Racing NT (TRNT) for their continued support of equestrian sport in the NT.

TRNT’s contribution and ongoing support benefit all riders across the Territory by helping provide valuable training and competition opportunities that strengthen and grow our sport.

Pictured below are some photos from the TRNT clinic in Alice Springs, prior to the Show 🤩

I completed my Show Horse Judges qualification a number of years ago and I have been privileged to judge at many events in that time. Alice Springs Show is definitely at the top of my list, boasting the most scenic show grounds in the country with the lush green oasis of Blatherskyte Park nestled amongst deep red escarpment. It really is something to see!

This year, the show hosted dressage, show jumping, show horse and stockmans challenge events.

Thankfully the weather was kind to us for the first two days before the winter rain set in on the Saturday 🥶

RDA (Riding for the Disabled) came to the rescue and allowed the Show Horse events to be moved to the indoor arena because as the say, 'the show must go on.' 💪

Thank you to all of the competitors who braved the cold (noting that the local riders are much tougher in the cold than their Northern friends 😜; and to the Alice Springs Show Equestrian committee who are a very small team doing really big things for their community- you ladies deserve a medal!! 🥇

📸 Best performed OTT Thoroughbred ‘Taquito’ and Sophie Carlton.

All good organisations continue to grow and your constructive feedback is a valuable part of that process.
Well done Katherine Show!

Your feedback is important. Please take the time to fill out our survey and you could win $100 voucher.

It’s been a huge month on the road starting with Alice Springs Show in early July - a massive 3000 km road trip.

I always love our time spent in Alice. The country looks amazing after some good rain and the desert absolutely comes alive with wild flowers and all sorts of bird life.

It was nice to get a chance to ride a few dressage tests myself. ‘KP Devito’ bringing home the bacon with a 1st and 2nd in the Prelim dressage. Such a good boy! ❤️

I was pleased to sponsor the 6 Bar show jumping at the Katherine Show.

Huge congratulations to Geena Parry who won the NTIES Restricted 6 Bar and Elizabeth Jacob, winner of the NTIES Open 6 Bar.

Two very deserving winners. Well done ladies 🎉

What a beautiful love story ❤️

A huge effort from Nina and OTT gelding ‘Ollie’. A true testament to the bond between horse and rider.

A great round doesn't happen alone. 🐴🤍

Having someone on the ground who knows your horse, keeps you focused, and offers the right advice at the right time can make all the difference in the warm-up arena.

Sometimes all it takes is a fresh set of eyes and a few encouraging words to head into the ring with confidence.

🏇 From the Racetrack to the sand.

Meet Taquito (formerly Paco Express).

This 13-year-old bay gelding is proof that life after racing can be just as exciting.

Bred in Australia and by Paco Boy (IRE), Taquito was trained by Danny O'Brien in Flemington before making his way to the Northern Territory, where he was trained by Mark Nyhan. Since retiring in Alice Springs in 2018, Taquito has embraced his second career—and now he's ready for a whole new challenge.

🌊 Catch Taquito racing in the Off The Track Race at 5:00pm on Saturday 8 August at the Go Slow Beach Races on Mindil Beach!

🎟️ Get your tickets now at goslowbeachraces.com.au.

Life After Racing Matters.

Through Thoroughbred Racing NT Off The Track, retired racehorses are supported with transport and retraining assistance, feed and nutrition packages, education grants, equestrian club sponsorships, and exclusive Thoroughbred clinics with Nicole Mutimer from NT Equestrian Sports.

In 2025 alone, 126 Thoroughbreds retired from racing in the Northern Territory, with many finding new homes and successful second careers through the Off The Track program.

Every Thoroughbred deserves the opportunity to thrive beyond the finish line, and Taquito is a fantastic example of what's possible.