The Ballarat Turf Club has decided to dump two novelty races from their programs in the upcoming season.

The Magic Millions Clockwise Classic, a feature on Ballarat Cup in November is gone, replaced by the Magic Millions 2YO Classic, and run the traditional Victorian way.

And also gone is The Hotham, a $75,000 reverse ballot for maiden gallopers that was developed around the time The Everest came on board.

The Magic Millions two-year-old race on Ballarat Cup will still be run for $250,000 and over 1000m and will retain its qualification status for the Magic Millions Classic at the Gold Coast in January.

As a result of the change in direction, the field limit increases from 11 to 16 and horses are no longer required to trial on the track to qualify for the race.

This year’s race will be run on November 20 alongside the $150,000 Magic Millions 3&4YO Classic (1100m) and the $500,000 Ballarat Cup (2000m).

BTC Chief Executive, Belinda Glass, said while The Hotham and the Clockwise Classic provided some novelty, the club understood the desire for change.

Barry Bowditch, Magic Millions Managing Director, said Magic Millions was grateful to the BTC and Racing Victoria running the 2YO Classic in the clockwise direction since 2012.

“Following consultation, we feel it’s time for the race to move to the traditional Victorian way of going to be of benefit to more participants, for the race’s overall quality and the simpler qualification,” Bowditch said.

Article from JustHorseRacing.com.au