Victoria is set to welcome racing to the Good Friday schedule from 2022 onwards.
The meeting is set for one of four country racing tracks with Benella, Sale, Wangaratta and Echuca all being considered to host the new event.
In recent years the AFL, NRL and NBL have hosted fixtures on Good Friday and Racing is now getting its opportunity to thrive on the public holiday.
Acting Minister for Racing Jaala Pulford said the move was a good one for Victoria as it meets the precedent set by other states.
Victorian racing will move in line with provisions in other states, and to an equal footing with competitions including the AFL and local football leagues, the NRL and the NBL," said Pulford.
"Racing codes have indicated they plan to schedule meetings in regional areas, which will provide a boost for tourism, adding an extra dimension for people planning Easter getaways."
Racing Victoria boss Giles Thompson said the event was set to be a massive boost for country Victoria.
“The possibility of creating a feature raceday that makes country Victoria a focal point on Good Friday”, said Thompson.
“We want this raceday to be a destination event for country Victoria, one that showcases different areas of our State through an annual rotation, thus supporting the different country communities that promote racing year-round.
“Planning is underway for this exciting new raceday in country Victoria, and it will step up a notch quickly if the legislation passes through Parliament and approval is granted to race on Good Friday from 2022.
“The inaugural host and the racing program are under consideration at present and, if approved, we’d hope to make an announcement by spring of all the details to assist everyone, from the host Club to participants to racing fans, in their planning.”
Country Racing Victoria boss Scott Whiteman said the timing of the meeting would allow the country clubs and communities to welcome tourists to the area.
"Easter is a significant time for racing. But this is a great opportunity for the country clubs and communities to attract people to their region," said Whiteman
"We are absolutely over the moon with the decision."
