Being trackside for this year’s King of the Mountain race will ‘hit different’ for Sarah and Will McVeigh.
The young Toowoomba couple has partnered with Toowoomba Turf Club to support the race day’s official charity partner Epilepsy Queensland.
The organisation holds a special place in the McVeighs’ heart with their daughter suffering daily seizures.
Partnering with Toowoomba Turf Club, a young couple has thrown their support behind one of the Garden City’s biggest race day to help change the lives of epilepsy sufferers
“Epilepsy Queensland as the charity of choice hits a different note,” Sarah McVeigh said.
“Our daughter is two and a half, she has epilepsy and has daily seizures.
“So this (race day) hits home, it really means a lot.”
The McVeighs have signed on as major sponsors of the KOTM the feature event of what is sure to be a massive Royal Toowoomba Show Holiday race day.
Some of the top tier racing talent from Queensland and NSW will burst out of the Clifford Park starting stalls on Friday, March 27 in the 1200m sprint race.
With $150,000 prizemoney on offer and past editions featuring the likes of Group 1 winning sprinter Rothfire the KOTM is quickly drawing level with Toowoomba’s premier sprint race the Weetwood Handicap
While the KOTM is still more than a month away TTC chairman Jason Ward said interest in the race is already high.
“This year it will be run as an open handicap over 1200m,” Ward said.
“The slot race (format) was a trial, we gave that a go, but we feel by opening it up to an open handicap will make it a lot easier to attract and continue to attract high quality horses.
“We’re already seen some interest from good local sprinters and from down south as well.
“It (the early interest) is really pleasing with quite a few really good horses finishing up their preparation with the intention of racing in this one.”
Tickets for the 2026 Sub-Zero Airconditioning KOTM are available for pre-purchase now.
The supporting program will include the Pat O’Shea 2YO Plate and the QLD Country Guineas.
Jason Gibbs, The Chronicle | Images: Kevin Farmer | Link to original article here
Clifford Park | February 17, 2026
