Trots a goer in 2026

A Warragul trots race meeting will go ahead on the June public holiday this year.

Despite racing activity being wound back to just one date at Logan Park per year, as part of drastic reforms introduced 12 months ago to improve the financial stability of the sport overall in Victoria, local trots enthusiasts are determined to see trotting continue in West Gippsland.

The volunteer committee of the Warragul Harness Racing Club are planning a gala day of racing, which will offer racing opportunities for horses prepared locally and nearby, as well as attracting the interest of visiting trainers.

Feature races such as the Warragul Cup for pacers and trotters are among the longest running races of their type in Victoria, and the local club is in fact one of the oldest still operating in the state.

There are still horses being trained for races locally despite almost all events now being staged at Cranbourne, and beyond, and several trainers still use the Logan Park circuit for preparing their horses.

The official race program for the June event has been released, and the organising committee will now be heavily promoting it to the industry in order to receive the maximum number of entries.

Although indications are that there will again only be one trots meeting held at Logan Park in 2027, it is believed that race date will be moved to a Sunday afternoon in April, to avoid potential wet weather which could impact crowd numbers at a Winter meet.

The main pacing race at the upcoming June meeting will undergo a significant revamp to appeal to a more broader spread of trainers.

It will feature two qualifying heats of $6000 run as the first two events of the day, into a $15,000 Final as the last race.

And the local club will offer a travel cash rebate to trainers at the upcoming meet to help offset high fuel costs.

The Warragul Harness Racing Club is also organising activities and giveaways for racegoers and children to create the best possible atmosphere on track at Logan Park.

Enquiries – phone Warragul HRC 03 5622 2008

From Kyle Galley