Back Yourself!
Sign-up and start betting with Ladbrokes in 2 minutes!
Daily Racing Specials!
Sign-up and bet with Australia's best new bookmaker!
Back A Winner with Neds!
Sign-up and start betting with Neds in 2 minutes!
#1 New Betting App!
Join the Best New Bookie!
BANTER WITH YOUR MATES
FOLLOW PUNTERS COPY BETS!
Best Of The Best Odds!
Bet With Palmerbet and get Paid Top Fluc or Top Tote!
Think. Is this a bet you really want to place?
Set a deposit limit.
Search
 
Image: Bruno Cannatelli
Seven fewer race meetings will be run in Victoria in the 2024-25 racing season

Racing Victoria has released the dates for next season that will see slightly fewer meetings overall, but a calendar primarily the same as 2023-24.

Overall, there are 548 meetings programmed for 2024-25, seven fewer than this season.

There will be 112 meetings staged on metropolitan track, 386 country meetings, 17 country non-TAB meetings and 33 picnic meetings across 350 days, with 16 race-free days, including a two-day Christmas break.

A total of 57 nights meetings has been programmed, one more than the current season, and 16 twilight fixtures, also up one.

RV said the reduction in meetings comes following a review which found meetings through January to April, with the volume of meetings, field sizes were declining, while at other times of the year, when less meetings are programmed, field sizes remain healthy.

The traditional Spring Carnival remains untouched, and RV has again placed the Thousand Guineas meeting at Caulfield after Champions Day at Flemington.

Joining the summer program next season will be the Pakenham Cup meeting on December 21, moving from its autumn date this year and attaining metropolitan status.

A switch of meetings has been granted for AFL Grand Final weekend, with Sandown to race on the Saturday and Mornington the following day.

In recent years, this has been the other way around.

One new meeting RV hopes to cash in on is ‘Super Bowl Monday’, where a meeting will be run at Caulfield Heath to coincide with the Super Bowl from the US.

RV was delighted with the push of the Australian Cup to the end of March which resulted in the race achieving its highest rating since 2017, while the All-Star Mile, won by Pride Of Jenni, run two weeks earlier, rated above the international Group 1 benchmark for the sixth consecutive year.

Matt Welsh, RV’s Executive General Manager – Racing, said the dates for 2024-25 aim to enhance the changes that were made this season.

“Overall, the small reduction in the volume of meetings is designed to help maximise field sizes through the first quarter of the year where the number of races with less than eight starters increases to more than 20 percent against an annual average of 15 percent,” Welsh said.

“The programming changes through summer ensure that our calendar better matches the available racehorse population at that time to maximise field sizes and ultimately industry returns through wagering which is our goal.

“New in February will be a meeting at Caulfield Heath on Super Bowl Monday where the MRC and their partner Sportsbet will showcase the NFL and racing trackside for sports fans.

“With the continued growth in sports wagering, it’s important racing is tapping into this next generation of potential customer.”

 
*Existing customers only. 2nd Racing bet. Excl SA & WA. T’s & C’s apply. Gamble responsibly.
Think. Is this a bet you really want to place?
Set a deposit limit.
Tags:
Featured News

FREE BETS – Claim $1000’s in Bonus Bets at the TOP Betting Sites

We take a look at the BIGGEST and BEST Free Daily Racing Offers and Betting Promotions from Australia’s leading online...

Boxing Day Races Betting Sites/Apps Offers, Free Promo Codes and Bonuses – 26/12/2024

We take a look at the Best Free Daily Horse Racing Offers from Australia’s leading online bookmakers for Boxing Day...

Watch πŸ“Ί Unbelievable last to first win

In a jaw-dropping display of determination, Raon Hit Man delivered a stunning last-to-first victory at Seoul Racecourse, leaving fans and...

Sam Kavanagh loses battle to cancer

Sam Kavanagh, a New South Wales-based horse trainer and the son of Melbourne Cup-winning trainer Mark Kavanagh, passed away on...

Australia's Best Betting Sites

New Betting Sites Australia + Top List Bookmaker Apps $$$

Betting in Australia has never been more popular thanks to a large increase in new betting Agencies and Apps available...

Australian Bookmaker Reviews – Online Bookie Ratings $$

Which bookmaker should you bet with? We Review each of the leading online Australian Bookmakers and rate them in order...

Top 10 – Funniest Race Horse Names

Horse racing. Known as the ‘Sport Of Kings’, an industry worth billions, a very serious business…but to some, it’s a...

 
 
Think. Is this a bet you really want to place?
For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au