JAMIE MELHAM JOINS TOUR D'HORSE 2026 THROUGH THE UPPER HUNTER
BossMan Media
Ride Day 2 Sponsor – Aushorse Thoroughbred Breeders Australia
The momentum continues for Tour d’Horse 2026, with leading jockey Jamie Melham joining Tuesday’s ride alongside broadcaster and KIDS Foundation Board Member Hamish McLachlan as the six-day charity ride continues through the Upper Hunter.
Monday officially kicked off with an incredible welcome function at Belltrees Station, setting the tone for an emotional and inspiring week ahead. Young survivor Maggie delivered a moving rendition of the National Anthem, while Awheata, a survivor of the Exford bus crash, bravely performed for the crowd, creating a powerful reminder of the courage and resilience at the heart of Tour d’Horse.
The evening ended with a special performance from country music artist James Johnston, bringing riders, supporters and guests together for a memorable close to the opening night.
Set against the breathtaking backdrop of Belltrees Station and the rolling Upper Hunter countryside, Tour d’Horse brings together the racing and equestrian community in support of KIDS Foundation and its vital trauma recovery, education and wellbeing programs supporting children, families and communities affected by trauma and injury.
Now in full stride, the ride has already created unforgettable moments of connection, resilience and mateship, with riders covering close to 200 kilometres across the week at walking pace while raising crucial funds and awareness.
Tuesday’s ride will see Jamie Melham saddle up alongside Hamish McLachlan, with fellow jockeys Ben Melham and Rachel King also joining riders during the Tour, bringing further support and profile to the event as it continues to unite sporting, racing and media personalities for a shared cause.
KIDS Foundation Founder & CEO Susie O’Neill said the support from ambassadors and riders continues to shine a light on the importance of helping families move forward after trauma and injury.
“Tour d’Horse is about community, connection and creating meaningful change,” Ms O’Neill said.
“To have people like Jamie, Ben, Rachel, Emma Hawkins and Hamish joining us on the journey helps amplify the message of what KIDS Foundation is here to do — supporting families through some of life’s most difficult moments and helping them find hope and strength again.”
The Tour d’Horse 2026 journey will conclude later this week at the Scone Race Club, with riders walking down the famous straight following the last race in a moving finale to the week-long event.
Link to VNR Google Drive: 7’17” https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ZIqa9lZppAOqAiK4MEPbbdej_WscPdFL/view?usp=drive_link
SHOT LIST:
• Monday afternoon ride
• Belltrees welcome function
• Hamish event grab
- Anto event grab
- Susie O’Neill event grab
- Maggie signing National Anthem
- Awheata signing
- Pre ride day 2
- Morning ride day 2
- Leanna Packard Aushorse TBA Day 2 Sponsor grab
- Jockey Rachel King grab
- Hamish grab x2
- Champion jockey’s Jamie & Ben Melham
Media Kit https://kfkidsfoundation.blob.core.windows.net/assets/nova/2026-TDH-Media-Kit.pdf
Contact details:
Media Contact
Melanie Mullen 0418 331 994
KIDS Foundation: PR & Content Lead
[email protected]