The Compassionate Stakes is a Novelty Race Day run by Little Oak Sanctuary. Contestants sign up to participate in fun races wearing giant inflatable T-Rex (or Unicorn!) costumes, all to promote compassion to animals. It's our way of saying 'Nup to the Cup' and proving that having a good time doesn't have to come at an animal's expense (like horse racing relies on). Sign up to race in a giant inflatable T-Rex or Unicorn costume or just come along and watch! Join us for a Rexcellent day of laughter, food, info and fun as we race towards a kinder world.

For 2025, the Compassionate Stakes will be held on Sunday, 2nd November. The event starts at 10am and winds up by 4pm.

For 2025, the Compassionate Stakes will be held in Glebe Park, Canberra. You'll find all the action down near the Rotunda!

The Compassionate Stakes T-Rex Races, hosted by Little Oak Sanctuary, offers a joyful and ethical alternative to traditional racing events. As a sanctuary for survivors of the racing industry, we understand firsthand the often unseen consequences these animals face. Our event highlights these issues, shining a light on the harsh realities of horse and greyhound racing where, shockingly, one horse dies every three days on Australian tracks. Increasingly, people are choosing to say 'Nup to the Cup', turning away from animal-based entertainment as they learn more about its darker aspects. The Compassionate Stakes is our way of showing that we can have fun, celebrate, and be entertained without causing harm, aligning with the growing public sentiment that good times need not come at the expense of animal welfare.

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Getting involved with the Compassionate Stakes T-Rex Races is easy and fun! Here’s how you can join us:

1. Participate: Book a spot to race in a T-Rex or Unicorn suit by signing up on our website.

2. Attend: Bring your family and friends for a fantastic day of entertainment, great food, and community spirit.

3. Volunteer: If you’re interested in helping out on the day of the event, please email us to join our wonderful team of volunteers.

4. Sponsor: Event sponsors help make the day possible, if your business would like to get behind the Compassionate stakes, please let us know!

We look forward to seeing you there and making a difference together!

Inflatable T-Rex and Unicorn costumes are provided to racers who book a spot to race. If you have your own costume, you're welcome to use it, just let us know!

Great food and drinks will be available on the day, courtesy of Au Lac Vietnamese street food truck, a veggie sausage sizzle and bake sale, coffee stand and more. If you'd like to hold a food or drink stall, get in touch with us via the contact page of our website, noting that our event is fully plant based so only vegan options can be sold at the Compassionate Stakes Day!

TBC But so far:

1. Little Oak Sanctuary - Hosts of the event, Little Oak provide sanctuary to farmed animals, including several survivors of the horse racing industry. Little Oak will be there on the day with lots of information about their work, some merchandise to help support the sanctuary and information about how you can get involved.

2. Animal Defenders Office

3. Greyhound Rescue - TBC

4. Others - all TBC - watch this space!