The thrill of racing and the power of community giving will come together when the Ronald McDonald House South East Queensland Race Day presented by Cornetts Supermarkets returns to the Gold Coast Turf Club on Saturday, 16 May 2026.

Set against the backdrop of one of Queensland’s premier race venues, the highly anticipated charity event promises a spectacular day of trackside glamour, premium hospitality and heartfelt purpose, all while raising vital funds to support families with ill or injured children.

Held at the Gold Coast Turf Club Events Centre in Bundall, the event will welcome corporate leaders, community supporters and racing enthusiasts for an unforgettable afternoon of racing, entertainment and philanthropy from 11:30am to 5:30pm.

Cornetts Supermarkets, an independently owned grocery chain with 36 stores across Queensland, has come on board as the naming rights sponsor once again for the race day. Cornetts Supermarkets is committed to supporting local communities, and their involvement in this special event highlights their dedication to making a difference in the lives of families across Queensland.

“We are extremely grateful to Cornetts Supermarkets for their support in making our Race Day possible. Their partnership will help us raise much-needed funds for the families who rely on our services,” said Emma Thompson, Chief Executive Officer Ronald McDonald House South East Queensland.

“This event is a fantastic opportunity to unite the community, and with Cornetts Supermarkets on board, we’re confident it will be a day to remember.”

At the heart of this year’s event, the Mudge family will once again be featured, sharing a powerful follow-up to their journey.

“Life since the last Race Day has still been a rollercoaster,” said Aimee Mudge.

“There have been more hospital admissions and treatments, but we are so grateful for how far Ellie has come. She finished chemotherapy in January, and we’re now hoping for the all clear.”

“If that happens, it will mean something incredibly special — Ellie will be able to go completely under water for the first time in 22 months. Just our little mermaid back where she belongs.”

“There’s still an underlying fear, but right now we’re watching her return to herself and that means everything to us.”

Guests will enjoy premium trackside views, a three-course plated luncheon and a five-hour platinum beverage package, while experiencing the excitement of a live race day.

For the first time, the event will also feature Fashions on the Field, adding an extra layer of style and sophistication to the day. The competition will be hosted by acclaimed Australian Fashions on the Field designer and competitor Renee Innes.

 

Renee Innes is known for couture-level craftsmanship, original concepts, and a refined aesthetic that blends elegance with modern innovation. Every FOTF look is entirely self-designed and self-made, reflecting her commitment to authenticity, precision, and cohesive head-to-toe styling.

Her competitive achievements include being a finalist at Oaks Day and the 2024 Melbourne Cup, along with standout performances at Stradbroke Day, Brisbane Spring and Winter Racing Carnivals, and Cairns Race Days. She has also recorded multiple wins at Aquis Park and country race meets throughout Queensland. Beyond the fashion field, Renee brings decades of experience in design and entrepreneurship.

Beyond the action on the track, the event will feature a variety of fundraising initiatives including raffles, auctions and donation opportunities, allowing attendees to contribute directly to the charity’s mission.

Media personality and 92.5 Triple M Gold host Spida Everitt will return as host for the day, keeping the energy high as guests come together to celebrate community and compassion.

At the heart of the event is a powerful purpose. Funds raised will directly support Ronald McDonald House South East Queensland, helping provide essential accommodation and support programs for families with children undergoing medical treatment.

Ronald McDonald House South East Queensland ensures families can stay close to their children during some of life’s most challenging moments, easing the emotional and financial burden that often accompanies illness or injury.

Ms Thompson said the race day continues to be one of the charity’s most important community fundraising events.

“This event is a fantastic opportunity to bring the community together in support of families who are going through incredibly difficult times,” Ms Thompson said.

“When a child is ill or injured, the last thing a family should worry about is where they’ll stay or how they’ll manage financially. Events like this help us provide accommodation and vital support programs so families can focus on what matters most; being there for their child.”

She said the event highlights the generosity of businesses and individuals across South East Queensland who rally behind the cause each year.

“The Race Day is more than just an incredible social event; it’s an opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of families who need it most.”

Last year’s event was a resounding success, raising more than $100,000 to support Ronald McDonald House South East Queensland’s programs, and organisers are hoping to build on that momentum in 2026.

Guests can purchase individual tickets or gather friends and colleagues to host a table for the day.

 

Ticket options:

Single Ticket – $250 per person. Includes seating at a shared table of ten, a three-course plated luncheon with alternate drop entrée and main, elegant dessert tiers and a five-hour platinum beverage package featuring beer, wine, basic spirits and soft drinks.

Pure Heart Table – $2,500 A table of ten guests with a three-course plated luncheon and five-hour platinum beverage package.

Heart of Gold Moët Table – $3,250 A premium table of ten including a three-course luncheon and an upgraded platinum beverage package featuring Moët & Chandon Impérial Champagne alongside beer, wine, spirits and soft drinks.

For businesses looking to make an even greater impact, the event also offers a limited Heart of the Track Race Sponsorship, providing an exclusive race day experience and extensive brand exposure.

The sponsorship includes a Heart of Gold Moët table, access to the mounting yard, the opportunity to meet owners and jockeys, and naming rights to one of the day’s races. Sponsors will also receive significant promotional exposure including national SKY Channel coverage reaching more than 5,100 licensed venues and an estimated weekly audience of two million viewers.

The package also includes a full-page race book advertisement, on-screen event branding and post-event recognition, as well as the opportunity to adopt a room at an Ronald McDonald House for 12 months, helping provide a safe place for families to stay during their child’s treatment. This unique package is available to book via the ticketing website, or by contacting the charity directly.

For Ronald McDonald House South East Queensland, every ticket purchased and every dollar raised helps keep families together during times of crisis.

With a powerful mission and an unforgettable race day experience, organisers are encouraging the community to join them trackside and help put families at the heart of the track.

 

Event Details

Ronald McDonald House South East Queensland Race Day Date: Saturday, 16 May 2026 Time: 11:30am – 5:30pm Location: Gold Coast Turf Club Events Centre, Racecourse Drive, Bundall QLD Dress Code: Race Day attire with a touch of red Tickets:

Buy tickets HERE

 

About Ronald McDonald House South East Queensland

Ronald McDonald House South East Queensland is an independent, not-for-profit organisation dedicated to caring for families with children who are ill or injured. Through the provision of accommodation and vital support programs close to major hospitals in Queensland, we enable families to stay together, stay strong, and promote healing when their child needs healthcare. We surround families with a community of support and the resources they need to stay at the heart of their child’s care and ensure the best possible health outcomes.