Please note from 1 September 2011, the Handicaps for Metropolitan racemeetings in Victoria run on Friday Nights and Saturdays will be released the same day as entries close.

The initiative, implemented following consultation with the ATA, is designed to support trainers in their decision making ahead of the closure of acceptances on Wednesdays.

NEW SCHEDULE OF CLOSING AND RELEASE TIMES

> Close of Entries
12 Noon on Monday (No change).

> Release of Handicaps
After 3pm, but no later than 5pm on Monday (Previously 10.30am on Tuesday)

> Close of Extended Entries
10am on Tuesday (No Change).
Where a race has 15 or less entries it will be extended until 10am the following day and weights for that race will be declared shortly afterwards. (The weights for those races not extended will be released on Monday afternoon.)

> Close of Late Entries
Late entries will now close at 3pm on Monday (previously 10am Tuesday).
A late entry may be made for a race which has not been extended with a payment of 3% of total prizemoney (for example, the late fee is $2,100 for a $70k race).

The new release time will commence with the VRC meeting at Flemington, to be held Saturday 3 September, featuring the Makybe Diva Stakes [G2].