Labor is helping regional racing to come alive this spring with bigger and better events.
The Minister for Racing Anthony Carbines today announced more than $668,000 from the Victorian Racing Industry Fund to support 47 regional race day events through spring.
This funding will ensure over 130,000 attendees get to enjoy the best the races have to offer.
There is something for everyone this year, with great live music, activities for the kids and free shuttle buses to get people home safely.
The Geelong Cup will bring a big boost for the city with around 10,000 people saddling up for a day of racing, fashion and food trucks on Wednesday 21 October.
The Bendigo Cup will also be even bigger and better in 2026, with wine tastings, a makeup station and a boutique retail precinct on Wednesday 28 October.
Country racing brings communities together and provides an important boost for local hotels, restaurants and retail businesses.
Racing contributed more than $5.5 billion to the economy last financial year alone.
Almost half of that economic benefit was for regional Victoria, the 2026 Size and Scope of the Victorian Racing Industry report shows.
The racing industry provides almost 33,500 full-time equivalent jobs, with 10,500 of those in the regions.
The Labor Government has invested more than $220 million in racing through the Victorian Racing Industry Fund since 2014.
That's money invested in Victoria, for Victorians.
As stated by Minister for Racing Anthony Carbines
"Labor is proud to be backing regional racing clubs to put on some of Victoria's biggest and best race meetings this spring, driving growth and tourism in regional areas."
"These racing events will bring in thousands of fans from all over the state, putting money straight into the pockets of regional Victorians through local businesses and communities."
