RV hikes scratching fees in bid to protect field sizes

Revamp aims to curb excessive scratchings and keep fields intact

Racing Victoria will introduce a new scratching fee structure from February 1 as it attempts to arrest shrinking field sizes and the wagering damage that comes with them.

The changes target a behaviour that has frustrated punters for years: trainers nominating and accepting in multiple races, only to scratch because of barrier draws or perceived race strength. This pattern erodes confidence, chops up turnover, and, in some cases, sees balloted horses miss out on runs they may have had.

Punters will welcome any move that better serves to keep races in tact. The spike in withdrawals has become one of the sport’s biggest gripes, especially when a race that once held up as a solid betting contest is reduced to a skinny field on race morning, resulting in significant deductions and material change in how the race is going to be run.

Victoria will link the scratching fees to rider declarations. Once a jockey is booked, a standard $274.25 fee (ex GST) applies. RV says this simply mirrors the riding fee it must pay the jockey of a scratched horse.

The long-standing 50 per cent discount for scratchings before 4pm the day prior will disappear. In its place, a $100 fee will apply if a horse comes out before rider declarations.

RV said the new structure was developed after consultation with stakeholder groups, including through the Racing Forum. Key stakeholders support this view and seem comfortable with the outcome.

Field sizes have been trending down for more than a decade and remain one of the biggest pressure points for wagering. RV maintains that controlling scratchings is central to protecting turnover, prizemoney and industry sustainability.

New Victorian scratching fee structure (from February 1, 2026):