Behind the Barriers is a mental healthcare foundation specific to the thoroughbred industry and founder Jason Petch will select the best presented horse in each race over the carnival.

The strapper will be rewarded with $100.

"In July last year we met with Moonee Valley and throughout their night racing series offered the strapper's prize," Mr Petch said.

"It was really successful. The strappers get a $100 cash prize and it created a lot more awareness of the foundation. From that we gathered a lot more sponsorship and the racing industry participants started using our service. They can speak to a senior psychologist and are triaged to a clinical psychologist who is close to where they live.

"The foundation pays for the first three sessions. We are acting as immediate responders but making it easy as people don't have to go to their GP to get a local healthcare plan. They can get to a psychologist within 24 hours."

Mr Petch loves the carnival.

"I trained for 15 years myself," he said.

"One of my biggest thrills was training a winner at the Warrnambool racing carnival. I gave away training two years ago. I've suffered with mental illness all my life and I know the triggers. If you suffer mental illness and you don't do anything about it, it will keep you captive."

He said Sun Stud was sponsoring day one and two of the carnival and Midfield Group were sponsoring day three.

Wicked Trilogy was awarded the cash prize for race one. Strapper Kylie Scott prepared the hurdler.

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