News

2012-13 Victorian Race Dates

20th Mar 2012

Racing Victoria

Racing Victoria (RV) has today released the framework for its 2012-13 racing calendar which will feature 576 race meetings across the state from 1 August to 31 July.

The annual meeting total represents an increase of six on the current racing season and will be supported by a record $160 million prize money pool - an increase of 13% on 2011-12.

The 576 race meetings will be categorised as follows; 113 metropolitan, 429 country and 34 picnic, with the six new meetings scheduled on a Saturday in country Victoria.

To be held at Moe, Tatura, Kilmore, Pakenham, Seymour and Hamilton these fixtures offset a shift in country programming last season to accommodate the introduction of Cranbourne night racing.

RV General Manager - Racing, Greg Carpenter, said the 2012-13 racing calendar would further cement plans formulated in the industry’s Racing To 2020 strategic plan.

“The industry’s strategy has been to grow our night racing offering and this will take full effect in the 2012-13 season with Friday night racing programmed every week, excluding Easter, from 28 September to 12 April,” Carpenter said.

“This has provided both host clubs, Moonee Valley and Cranbourne, with the opportunity to expand their premier meeting into two-day carnivals that provide a diverse offering for attendees and punters with day and night racing showcased.

“The Group 1 Manikato Stakes will headline a new Friday night meeting at Moonee Valley on the eve of the Cox Plate, whilst a Friday night meeting at Cranbourne will be the entree to their traditional Sunday afternoon Cup meeting.

“Another major highlight of next season’s race dates is the return of Flemington’s Turnbull Stakes to a Saturday timeslot after being forced to a Sunday in the past two years by the AFL Grand Final.

“We are also pleased to welcome Yarra Valley, an important and picturesque regional venue, back to the calendar after an extended absence with eight meetings programmed next season.

“We have worked through extensive consultation with the Clubs and key stakeholder groups to develop the 2012-13 racing calendar and we believe we’ve found the right structure to satisfy the needs of each party whilst delivering a platform for growth and success,” Carpenter added.

Full Press Release available at www.racingvictoria.net.au