Melbourne set to score two new slot races

Victoria has never staged a “slot” race, with connections buying their way into the field and the cash being used as prize money — until now.

Sydney’s super-rich Everest is Australia’s most famous slot race. Picture: Getty Images

Victoria is set to score two new $1m horse races with Australia’s first “slot racing series” to be staged in Melbourne this year.

Cranbourne and Pakenham racecourses will host the newest editions to Victoria’s stacked spring carnival line-up in November and December.

Sydney’s super-rich Everest is Australia’s most famous slot race – an event horse owners need to pay their way into, with their cash combined into total prize money.

“The Meteorite” will be staged over 1200m on Cranbourne Cup Day.

The “Supernova” will be run over 1400m on Pakenham Cup Day.

It comes after this year’s merger between the Cranbourne Turf Club and Pakenham Racing Club, to become Southside Racing.

Southside Racing chairman Sean Clarkson said it “marks a significant milestone in Australian racing’’.

“We are thrilled to bring this innovative concept to Victoria, offering exhilarating racing action and opportunities for participants and unprecedented excitement for our new racing audience in South East Melbourne,’’ he said.

Slot holders will pay $100,000 plus GST to enter both events and can choose the same or different horses to compete each race.

In addition to the substantial prize money, a special bonus will be awarded to the slot holder who accrues the most points across both races.

The series will also have a charity arm, with $20,000 to be spread among community groups.

Southside Racing chief executive Neil Bainbridge said the series would add something new to the state’s stacked sports calendar.

“The Meteorite and The Supernova are set to capture the imagination of the racing community,’’ he said.

“The $1 million prize in each race is just the beginning – with additional bonuses for slot holders who excel across both events, the stakes have never been higher.”

Racing Victoria chief executive Aaron Morrison said the concept would boost racing in the state’s south-east and introduce “new investment into the prizemoney ecosystem, while enhancing the state’s feature race program.”

Cranbourne Cup Day will be staged on November 23 and Pakenham Cup on December 21.

Both events will be open to three year olds and older, with races conducted under set weights and penalties.

Expression of interest for runners will close at 5pm on September 20.