The Melbourne Racing Club (MRC) is thrilled to announce a comprehensive schedule of 15 Official Trials across the 2025–26 season, providing an essential service to trainers, owners and jockeys while addressing the industry’s increasing need for metropolitan grass access.
The program – spread across Caulfield and Sportsbet Sandown – complements jump outs and gallops and ensures participants have regular access to high-quality racing and training facilities.
Industry Solutions
•Support for Trainers & Owners: With Cranbourne Training Centre now at capacity and no longer able to provide trials on the scale once offered, MRC has stepped up to deliver much-needed industry training facilities.
•Support for Jockeys: Official Trials allow jockeys to be paid for their services in metropolitan areas, providing a practical solution following the dispute earlier this year.
•Support for Participants: MRC is committed to giving trainers, owners and jockeys the best possible preparation environment, enhancing safety, horse education and performance pathways.
As Mornington is a MRC training facility, Jump Outs scheduled at Caulfield Heath are designated for Mornington-based trainers as priority. If capacity allows, MRC may extend limited access to additional horses on an as-needs and special request basis.
Course Proper Gallops at Caulfield are held prior to feature race meetings and are restricted to horses nominated for those racedays.
MRC will open sauna and spa facilities in the jockey rooms at Caulfield Heath Official and Sportsbet Sandown Trials and Jump Outs, to support jockeys who need to manage their weight prior to race rides on the same day.
To underline its support for the industry, the MRC will provide complimentary egg and bacon rolls, pastries, coffee, tea, juice and water at all Official Trials and Jump Outs throughout the season.
“We’re delighted to provide a solution that meets the needs of trainers, jockeys and owners alike,” said Tanya Fullarton, MRC Acting CEO. “The annual schedule of Official Trials not only provides grass access under raceday conditions but also reflects MRC’s
commitment to giving industry participants the facilities they require for race preparation”.
“The next set of official trials will be held at Caulfield Heath on Tuesday 2 September with 11 trials commencing at 6.45am. Nominations include young spring hopefuls and stakes winners Tom Kitten, Charm Stone, Tuvalu, Jigsaw, Rey Magnerio, Royal Insignia, Inkaruna, Palm Angel, Blue Hotel and My Gladiola. We look forward to welcoming everyone on course for the trials and complimentary breakfast.”
Key Dates
The 2025–26 calendar includes:
•12 Official Trials at Caulfield Heath (Aug 2025 – Jul 2026)
•Magic Millions 2YO Official Trials at Caulfield Heath (2 Oct 2025)
•2 Official Trials at Sandown (Jan & Apr 2026)
•10 Course Proper Gallops at Caulfield (aligned with feature racedays, for nominated horses only)
•10 Jump Outs across Caulfield Heath & Course Proper (priority access for Mornington trainers)
MRC Release
