Future Stars and Former Racing Champion Headline 4CYTE™ Melbourne International 3 Day Event

Australia's next generation of equestrian talent will take centre stage this King's Birthday Long Weekend as the Melbourne International 3 Day Event returns to Werribee Park from 5-8 June.

More than half of the accepted combinations in this year's Equestrian Australia CCI4*-S field are aged under 25, highlighting the depth of emerging talent coming through Australian eventing ahead of future Olympic and World Championship campaigns.

The event will also feature some of the sport's biggest names, including Paris Olympian Shenae Lowings and triple Olympian Shane Rose, who will compete across the four-day event at the Werribee Park National Equestrian Centre.

Adding another compelling storyline is former Group 1 champion racehorse Zaaki, who will make an appearance in the Off The Track CCN1* class. The former racing star, who earned more than $11 million in prize money during his illustrious career, will be ridden by Paris Olympian Shenae Lowings and owned by Annabel Archibald.

Zaaki's appearance highlights the growing success of retired thoroughbreds transitioning into second careers in equestrian sport, providing racing fans with a rare opportunity to see one of Australia's most recognisable racehorses in a completely different arena.

Held annually at the picturesque Werribee Park precinct, Melbourne International 3 Day Event is Victoria's premier eventing competition and one of Australia's most prestigious equestrian events.

Competition takes place across three phases: dressage, cross country and show jumping, with horse and rider combinations aiming to finish on the lowest overall penalty score.

Cross Country Day on Sunday is expected to attract the largest crowds as competitors tackle a course winding through some of Victoria's most iconic landmarks. The track passes the Werribee Park Open Range Zoo, Werribee Mansion, State Rose Garden, Polo Fields and National Equestrian Centre, creating one of the most spectacular sporting settings in Australia.

Alongside top competition, visitors can enjoy an undercover Winter Trade Village, food vendors, family entertainment and evening attractions throughout the long weekend.

Friday offers free admission, providing spectators with the opportunity to watch dressage competition, explore the Trade Village and enjoy family activities including hobby horse competitions.

The event also serves as an important pathway for athletes preparing for international competition, with many combinations using Werribee as part of their preparations for the 2026 FEI World Championships in Aachen, Germany.

With Olympic athletes, future stars and a former champion racehorse all set to compete, Melbourne International 3 Day Event promises four days of world-class sport and entertainment just 30 minutes from Melbourne's CBD.

EVENT DETAILS

Melbourne International 3 Day Event
5-8 June 2026
Werribee Park National Equestrian Centre

Media opportunities include:

• Paris Olympian Shenae Lowings
• Triple Olympian Shane Rose
• Former Group 1 racehorse Zaaki competing in the Off The Track CCN1*
• Australia's next generation of eventing talent, with 55% of the CCI4*-S field aged under 25
• Cross Country Day action through the Werribee Park precinct

For more information visit: www.m3de.com.au