Racing Victoria to launch “Reverse Racing” concept to compete with Racing NSW

In a bold move aimed at regaining the upper hand in the ongoing battle with New South Wales racing, Racing Victoria has confirmed it will trial a radical “reverse racing” concept later this year.

With prizemoney increases and scheduling clashes intensifying the rivalry between the states, officials believe innovation is key to attracting both participants and wagering turnover back to Victoria.

The proposed concept will see selected races run in the opposite direction, a move Racing Victoria believes will deliver a genuine “point of difference” against Sydney racing.

“There’s no denying the competition from NSW has increased significantly in recent years,” a Racing Victoria spokesperson said. “We need to think differently and create something that captures attention, drives engagement, and ultimately benefits the Victorian industry.”

Early modelling suggests reverse racing could significantly boost wagering turnover by delivering a fresh betting product and attract more headline NSW based horses to Victoria over the major carnivals — a move officials believe could help Victoria claw back wagering turnover lost to New South Wales following the introduction of high-profile races such as The Everest and Golden Eagle.

Feedback from riders has been mixed, with some intrigued by the tactical shift and others cautious about how horses will handle racing in the unfamiliar direction.

“It flips everything you know about racing here,” one leading jockey said. “Positioning, timing your run, even how the horse balances — it all changes.”

Stewards are expected to closely monitor the trial, particularly around interference and horse behaviour, with Racing Victoria acknowledging there may be an adjustment period as participants adapt.

There is also speculation that, if successful, reverse racing could be introduced during key periods of the Spring Carnival as a way to draw attention away from major Sydney meetings.

While still in the trial phase, the concept has already sparked strong debate across the industry, with many eager to see whether this innovation can give Victoria a much-needed edge in the interstate racing arms race.