Kyneton racecourse and Hanging Rock Racing Club are expected to host more racegoers this season thanks to a promotional push.
The state government is giving Country Racing Victoria $980,000 from the Victorian Racing Industry Fund to promote regional race meetings.
Country Racing Victoria has said it would add a contribution of almost $1.6 million to the campaign.
CRV chief executive Scott Whiteman said the numbers at racing events were set to rise.
“Victorians are attending country and picnic races in record numbers, and this year’s program promises to be the biggest and best yet,” he said.
According to a statement from Racing Minister Martin Pakula, attendance at country and picnic race meetings has grown by more than 45 per cent since 2015.
More than 370,000 people are expected to go to country meetings this spring and summer.
Macedon Ranges will host three main country racing events in the coming season.
The Kyneton Cup meeting will be held at Kyneton racecourse the day after the Melbourne Cup, which falls on November 8 this year.
There will be meetings at Hanging Rock on New Year’s Day and Australia Day.
