Seymour’s Horses

If your heart races for horses and the thundering excitement of racing, then Seymour in Victoria is your dream escape. Nestled amid country landscapes and steeped in thoroughbred tradition, this charming town offers a rare blend of living heritage and hands-on equestrian thrills. Let me guide you through the best equine experiences that made me fall in love with Seymour — and might just win you over too.

[Article by David Toomey]

1. Witness Country Racing at Seymour Racecourse

Seymour’s racecourse is a cornerstone of Victoria’s country racing scene, reimagined in 2016 with a $5.2 million upgrade that improved turf, drainage, and spectator amenities Explore Seymour - Seymour VictoriaCountry Racing Victoria. With around 12 race meetings each year, including fan-favourites like the bet365 Seymour Cup in October and the Seymour Vase in August, there's always a thrilling contest to experience RacenetCountry Racing Victoria. For a racing lover, nothing beats the atmosphere of race day—the lights, the horses, the cheers.

2. Saddle Up on a Local Trail Ride

While Seymour isn’t home to large-scale trail operators, you’re just a short drive from beautiful horseback journeys through Victoria’s iconic High Country. Offering guided rides along bushland and mountain trails, these experiences cater to all skill levels—whether you’re a seasoned rider or a curious beginner Travel VictoriaVisit Victoria home. It’s a great way to breathe in the landscapes that inspired our country’s equestrian roots.

3. Discover Northwood Park’s Storied Legacy

Just outside Seymour lies Darley’s Northwood Park, regarded as one of the world’s most beautiful thoroughbred properties darley.com.au. Its roots run deep—from its early days as a cattle station in 1838 to becoming a beacon of racing history. It’s notably the resting place of Windbag, the 1925 Melbourne Cup winner, whose legacy is immortalised here with a headstone on the homestead grounds darley.com.au. For those of us who cherish the legacies carved into equine fame, walking this land is awe-inspiring.

4. Local Breeding Stars: Seymour’s Legacy on the Track

Seymour’s influence extends beyond the track into breeding champions. The Seymours, trading as Solid Earth Pty Ltd, produced Colt Thirty One, a Mach Three stallion who won the 2018 Victoria Derby among other Group 1 successes Harnesslink. Another standout, Majestic Mach, clinched the Australian Pacing Gold final and Queensland Derby. And let’s not forget Good Lookin Girl, a Group 1 winner in both the NSW Ladyship Mile and Victorian Queen of the Pacific Harnesslink. To know these names came from this region adds a layer of pride—and inspiration—to every hoofbeat I hear.