News
25 June, 2026
Healesville Cup finds new home among calendar changes
The straight track racing calendar will receive an exciting refresh in the upcoming season, with the G2 Healesville Cup moving from its traditional September timeslot to March/April as part of a scheduling switch with the Sportsbet Emerald.
The Healesville Cup has long been the jewel in straight track racing’s crown, drawing participants and spectators from across Australia.
General Manager of the Healesville Greyhounds, Peter Frost, said the calendar changes were necessary to ensure a better balance among the straight track racing calendar.
“The move of the Healesville Cup to March/April represents an exciting evolution for one of our premier events, allowing us to further enhance the race-day experience, maximise promotional opportunities and provide participants with a clearer pathway for planning their racing season,” said Frost.
“We are also fortunate to be hosting the National Straight Track Championship final this year (28 August), which gives us three major events in an exciting twelve-months for the club.”
Meanwhile, the Sportsbet Emerald will benefit from a September timeslot, allowing it to further establish itself as a major racing attraction.
“Since inception, The Sportsbet Emerald’s racing format has provided a point of difference, and by moving to September, we think we can create an opportunity for more interstate participation off the back of the National Straight Track Championship”.
The $10,000 to-the-winner Highway 31 Maiden series will remain in the September period, with the final to be run alongside the Sportsbet Emerald on the 13th of September.
Further details regarding the 2026 Sportsbet Emerald and 2027 Healesville Cup, including event programming and community activities, will be announced closer to the respective race dates.
