Olympic Champion Ariarne Titmus Set to Join Star-Studded Tour d'Horse 2026 KIDS Foundation Major Fundraiser Ride Begins
KIDS Foundation
Australian Olympic champion Ariarne Titmus will join a remarkable line-up of sporting legends, racing identities and entertainers supporting KIDS Foundation’s Tour d’Horse 2026, which officially gets underway in Gundy on Monday.
As anticipation builds, Tour d’Horse continues to gain momentum as one of the most inspiring and unique events on the Australian sporting and social calendar — bringing together high-profile Australians in support of children and families impacted by trauma, injury and life-changing illness.
Among those supporting this year’s Tour on the ground are AFL great Tom Hawkins and his wife, KIDS Foundation Ambassador Emma Hawkins, Olympian Amanda Ross, Paralympian Emma Booth, actor and entertainer Tom Burlinson, media personality Hamish McLachlan, Melbourne Cup winning jockeys Jamie Melham and Darren Beadman, Group 1 winning jockeys Rachel King and Ben Melham, champion trainers Sam Freedman and Michael Freedman, and KIDS Foundation Ambassador Abigail Vidler.
Adding to the atmosphere of the week will be a special performance from Australian singer-songwriter James Johnston, who is joinging the event ahead of his world tour.
While Emma Hawkins rides as part of the KIDS Foundation team, Tom Hawkins will step into a very different role — volunteering his time across the week in support of participants and families.
“Ariarne is one of the most admired athletes in the country, not just because of what she has achieved in the pool, but because of the strength, humility and inspiration she brings to so many young Australians,” Dr Susie O’Neill said.
“To have someone of her calibre support Tour d’Horse and stand beside our KIDS families will mean so much to the children and young people taking part this week. These moments stay with them forever.
“Our families have faced enormous challenges and seeing people they look up to show up with genuine care, kindness and encouragement is incredibly powerful. It reminds them they are seen, supported and capable of achieving amazing things themselves.”
From Monday, participants will cover close to 200 kilometres across six days through the Upper Hunter Valley aboard predominantly retired racehorses, raising vital funds for KIDS Foundation programs supporting children and families impacted by trauma and injury.
At the heart of the event is Camp TANGO (Together Achieving New Goals and Opportunities), with each Tour d’Horse team riding alongside and supporting young survivors navigating their own recovery journey.
The Tour will conclude with all teams walking side-by-side down the famous straight at Scone Race Club following the final race on Saturday — a moving display symbolising that healing is a journey no one should walk alone.
Tour d’Horse 2026 runs from 11–17 May in the Upper Hunter Valley, NSW.
- Media opportunities across the week include daily vision & images;
- Monday arrivals in Gundy
- Rider and ambassador interviews
- Ride highlights
- Camp TANGO participant stories
- Live crosses and feature opportunities
- Vision of the final walk down Scone Racecourse on Saturday
Media Kit: https://kfkidsfoundation.blob.core.windows.net/assets/nova/2026-TDH-Media-Kit.pdf
Contact details:
Melanie Mullen
KIDS Foundation – PR & Content Lead
0418 331 994
[email protected]