The odds of a kangaroo entering a horse race are very slim, but in Australia, they’re definitely not zero.
During the 2400m Warren Stayers Benchmark 58, the ferlongs were well underway. The horses and riders were giving it their all, and the front runners were neck and neck. But, as Shannen Llewellyn, aboard Joshua, and Jake Pracey-Holmes, riding Will To Excel, came to the 1400 meter mark, they got an unexpected surprise.
A kangaroo had slipped under the fence and entered itself into the horse race. Bouncing beneath the white barriers, it bounded across the track. Footage from the scene shows just how close the roo was to becoming trampled underfoot.
Only a few yards ahead of the front runners, the kangaroo flew onto the track. Sensing the terrible choice of crossing, it used those huge hind legs to narrowly avoid disaster. With inches to spare, it crossed in front of the racing horses and made it to safety.
This is Australia – well Warren – western New South Wales Monday – 6 hrs Sydney, 1 hr Dubbo.
— Global Racing Society (@GlobalRacingSoc) June 2, 2025
Skippy the kangaroo is fine – stewards (head on attached) with no reports of interference! pic.twitter.com/o5RePBEFzD
Crossing the whole line of speeding racers, it only just made it to the other side. Only in Australia.
Jockeys And Horses Keep Their Cool Under Kangaroo Chaos
Australia is the only place in the world where a kangaroo could get involved in a horse race. Honestly, you would think they would have done something to safeguard against it, too. But this one somehow made its way into the Warren meet.
Thankfully, the bouncy little guy wasn’t turned into paste. And, on top of that, the riders and horses dealt with it well. Under such high-stakes racing, horses have been known to throw riders for a lot less. This isn’t the first time a kangaroo has become involved in a race, either.
In 2017, one particular marsupial actually joined in the race. The spirit of competition compelled it, and it took the lead over the rider-encumbered horses. For a while, it kept pace, but then put those legs to work and put the horses to shame.
After solidly taking the lead and proving its point, it made its victorious exit and left the race. Maybe Australia should look into Roo racing. I would certainly put some bets down.