Let’s Say Grace (NZ) ridden by Billy Egan wins the Obrien Real Estate 0-64 Handicap at Cranbourne Racecourse on May 12, 2023 in Cranbourne, Australia. (Photo by Scott Barbour/Racing Photos)
Saturday night racing will return to Victoria with a four-meeting summer trial starting in late December. Racing Victoria (RV) announced the trial, which includes four consecutive Saturday night meetings at Cranbourne, replacing the previously scheduled Friday night fixtures from December 28 to January 17, 2025.
Requested by Southside Racing, the trial aims to promote racing in the south-east and engage local communities. Wagering activity is expected to be strong during these evening slots.
The meetings will offer country-level prizemoney and conclude by 8.45pm, followed by live music and entertainment.
RV’s executive general manager of racing, Matt Welsh, said, “As well as engaging local communities, the trial will provide fresh insights into wagering and engagement on Saturday nights given they were last held five years ago due to COVID.”
Southside Racing chief executive Neil Bainbridge added, “The trial is about more than just racing; it’s about understanding how we can evolve and thrive in a dynamic landscape.”
Cranbourne previously held Saturday night meetings from 2011 until 2019.