COMPASSIONATE STAKES
T-Rex Races in the Heart of the Nation
Making Cruelty Ancient History
Join the Rex-olution - Racing to a kinder world!
what: an afternoon of cruelty free fun
What
The most fun you can have while saying 'Nup to the Cup'. The Compassionate Stakes proves that having a good time doesn't have to come at an animal's expense. Sign up to race in a giant inflatable T-Rex costume or come along and watch! Join the Rex-olution for a feel good afternoon of laughter, food, info and fun as we race towards a kinder world.
Where
Petrie Plaza, Canberra City (between the Merry-go-round and Bunda St)
When
12-4 pm
Tuesday
November 7th 2023
T-Rex Races
Get Ready to Rex & Roll! Canberra's T-Rex Races Are Back!
Mark your calendars for Tuesday, November 7th, 2023, as the beloved T-Rex novelty races return to Petrie Plaza after a pandemic-induced pause.
Compassionate Stakes: Racing for a Cause
Looking for a delightful and cruelty-free alternative to watching horse racing on "the cup" day? Look no further than the Compassionate Stakes. We believe that a great time shouldn't come at the expense of animals, and our event proves just that.
Race Like a Rex
Our races are open to the public, and your race ticket includes the exhilarating experience of donning a T-Rex costume.
Tickets: Your Passport to Rexhilaration
Please note that tickets are essential to join the race, so be sure to book your spot.
Spectators & Supporters: Enjoy for Free
Cheering on your favourite Rex racers? The event is absolutely free for spectators and supporters, so bring your friends and family to share in the fun.
A Rexcellent Day Out
The festivities kick off at 12 p.m., and races are scheduled every half-hour, starting at 12:30 pm. Don't miss the grand finale, "THE COMPASSIONATE STAKES," the highlight of the day, set for 3 pm.
Advocacy & Awareness
Visit our information stalls hosted by Little Oak Sanctuary and the Animal Defenders Office, where you can learn more about critical animal protection issues.
Fashion Off The Field: Rexquisite Fashion Fun
Our fabulous "Fashion Off The Field" competition returns with a twist. Three of Canberra's fiercest Drag Queens will grace the event, celebrating fierce, fabulous, and fun fashion with prizes fit for royalty.
Rex Fuel for Your Appetite
All the fun is sure to build up an appetite. Enjoy a scrumptious veggie sausage sizzle from the Little Oak grill or indulge in delectable soft-serve treats from our friends at Future Swirl.
Join us for a day of laughter, camaraderie, and compassion. The Compassionate Stakes proves that having a blast and caring for animals go hand in hand. Get ready to Rex and roll!
Tuesday 7th November 12-4 pm
Petrie Plaza - Canberra City (between the Merry-go-round and The Fish Shack)
Secure your spot and let's make this year's Compassionate Stakes an unforgettable experience.
Race 1 -
The Big Bang
12:30 pm
This is where it all starts! Guaranteed to leave no saur losers, grab some friends and sign up today!
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Big Bang race distance is approximately 100 metres.
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Includes T-Rex Costume hire.
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Prizes for 1st, 2nd & 3rd female and 1st, 2nd & 3rd male.
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Winning participants go to the final at 3 pm
Race 2 -
Dino Dash
1:00 pm
Horse racing has done its dash - now it's time for you to do yours! grab some colleagues and see who's the most superior dino-racer in your office! sign up today!
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Dino Dash Race distance, approximately 100 metres.
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Includes T-Rex Costume hire.
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Prizes for 1st, 2nd & 3rd female and 1st, 2nd & 3rd male.
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Winning participants go to the final at 3 pm
Race 3 - Reptilian Relay
1:30 pm
Rather race with your bestie? Want to finally prove you're the "best" friends out there? Sign up as a pair for the Reptilian Relay for twice the fun!
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Reptilian Race distance, approximately 100 metres (50m each relay member).
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Includes T-Rex Costume hire.
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Prizes for 1st, 2nd & 3rd teams
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Winning participants go to the final at 3 pm
Race 4 -
Jurassic Jaunt
2:00 pm
For the sprinters out there, the Jurassic Jaunt is our shortest event, glory could be yours in half the time!
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Race distance approximately 50m,'
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Includes T-Rex Costume hire.
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Prizes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd person.
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Winning participants go to the final at 3 pm
Race 5 - 2:30 pm
RollerSaurus Rumble
Details COMING SOON!
Race 6 - 3pm
The Compassionate Stakes
The race you've been waiting for! The GRAND FINALE! Watch the winners from races: The Big Bang, Dino-Dash, Reptilian Relay and T-Rex Trials battle it out for the ultimate victory - winner of the 2023 Compassionate Stakes! Who will take this year's cup and steal glory? (Entry to this race is via winning races 1 through 4).
Info
Information will be available from both the event host, Little Oak Sanctuary and Animal Defenders Office about issues that impact animals and how to start taking action to create a more compassionate world.
FOOD
Incredible oat milk soft serve available from Future Swirl's cart.
A veggie sausage sizzle will also be available for $2 per plant-based snag - all proceeds from the sausage sizzle go to support the work of Little Oak Sanctuary.
Fashion
Step aside, traditional fashions on the field—our Fashion off the Field event is turning up the volume with kindness and flair!
The fabulous drag talent of Canberra will be strutting through the crowd, sprinkling their own unique brand of fabulousness everywhere they go.
Ditch the animal-unfriendly fascinators and show us your most fierce, fun, or fabulous outfit.
You just might catch their eye and win a delightful prize in the true spirit of the Compassionate Stakes!
