Bet365 Benalla schedule adjusted to support track preparation

Racing Victoria (RV), Country Racing Victoria (CRV) and the Benalla Racing Club (BRC) have elected to take a conservative approach with the return of racing to Bet365 Benalla and have moved its resumption back one month to allow additional time for its new racing surface to consolidate.

Benalla has undergone a full reconstruction since its September 2025 Cup meeting to widen the track from 16m to 19m, install new drainage and irrigation, and resurface the turf track.

The seven race meeting scheduled for Saturday, 12 December – the day of the Southside Pakenham Cup metropolitan meeting – has been removed from the calendar with the track now scheduled to resume racing on Monday, 11 January. 

The Benalla track rebuild is progressing well, however, following a recent period of cooler and wetter than expected weather, it was determined that allowing additional time for consolidation would ensure the best long-term outcome for the surface.

Once operational, the reconstructed Benalla track is expected to become a valuable asset for north-east Victoria in supporting the region’s horse population.

Victoria’s schedule throughout December includes several race meetings in the state’s north-east which was a key consideration in RV’s decision not to transfer the Benalla meeting to an alternate venue.

RV’s Racing Operations team will assess the schedule over that period and make decisions on dividing races as required.