The Moonee Valley Racing Club in conjunction with Ladbrokes and Southside Racing are excited to unveil a new look sixteenth season of the popular Ladbrokes 55 Second Challenge.

New look season sixteen of Ladbrokes 55 Second Challenge

The Moonee Valley Racing Club (MVRC) in conjunction with Ladbrokes and Southside Racing are excited to unveil a new look sixteenth season of the popular Ladbrokes 55 Second Challenge.A pure test of speed over 955-metres, some of the country’s fastest horses have been put to the test over The Valley’s unique circuit since its inception in 2010 and this season the series will expand to Southside Cranbourne under lights.&nbsp;Set to launch at The Valley on September 26, 2025, alongside the G1 Ladbrokes Manikato Stakes on AFL Grand Final Eve, Series 1 of the Ladbrokes 55 Second Challenge will see the final three heats conducted on the current Valley track, with a $30,000 cheque courtesy of Ladbrokes presented to the trainer of the horse who runs the fastest time.The third and final heat of Series 1 will be held on Ladbrokes Gold Cup Night on October 24, 2025.With the MVRC set to undergo construction on The Valley of Tomorrow following the 2025 Ladbrokes Cox Plate Carnival, Series 2 of the Ladbrokes 55 Second Challenge will enter a new phase at Southside Cranbourne from October 31, 2025.All eyes will continue to be on the sprinters under lights on a Friday night, with Series 2 at Southside Cranbourne comprising of nine heats.The final of Series 2 at Southside Cranbourne will be conducted on March 6, 2026, with the majority of heats still conducted for $60,000 total prizemoney.The trainer of the fastest horse of Series 2 will receive a cheque valued at $25,000 thanks to Ladbrokes – the equivalent prizemoney percentage of winning a $400,000 race for a trainer.The Phillip Stokes-trained Shirshov became the first horse in history to win back-to-back series of the Ladbrokes 55 Second Challenge across the 2023/24 and 2024/25 season, with other series winners also including Group 1 winner Bella Vella.Sisstar, the sister to Valley G1 winner Sunlight, is the 955-metre record holder clocking a sizzling time of 54.45 back in 2021.<a href="https://www.thevalley.com.au/racing/55-second-ladbrokes-challenge">Click here for full heat details of the Ladbrokes 55 Second Challenge</a>Quotes attributable to Charlotte Mills – Head of Racing, Moonee Valley Racing Club“We are excited the ever-popular Ladbrokes 55 Second Challenge will play a key part in a memorable final three Ladbrokes Friday Night Lights meetings before The Valley’s transformation.“The series has been a staple under lights at The Valley since its introduction back in 2010 with over 250 heats being conducted and we are also pleased those sprinters will continue to be accommodated for with the Club’s transferred meetings at Southside Cranbourne.”Quotes attributable to Alastair Dwyer, General Manager Racing, Southside Racing“Southside Racing is thrilled to be hosting the iconic Ladbrokes 55 Second Challenge at Southside Cranbourne this season.“There’s a special buzz that comes with lightning-fast horses under the lights, and Cranbourne is the perfect amphitheatre for that spectacle.“We’re proud to be the custodians of this exciting series as part of the transferred metropolitan meetings – delivering city-level prizemoney plus an incredible $25,000 bonus for the fastest horse of the series.”&nbsp;Quotes attributable to Andrew Vouris, CEO, Ladbrokes“The Valley has been a natural home for the Ladbrokes 55 Second Challenge and has played host to some of the fastest horses in the country.“We can’t wait to see the Friday night tradition move to Southside Cranbourne in October after the final three heats at The Valley in what will usher in a new era.”

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The Valley will once again play host to a leg of the National Pony Racing Series, with the Victorian event set to take place on 3 Point Motors William Reid Stakes Day, Saturday 22 March.A collaboration between Pony Club Australia and Thoroughbred Industry Careers (TIC), the series is designed to educate young riders on careers in the racing and breeding industry, giving them a taste of professional competition on major racedays.The series features six race meetings across Australia, culminating in the national finals in June. Before the Victorian leg, Ballarat hosted a Jumpstart weekend, where participants received riding instruction, horse health education, career insights, and rider fitness training.&nbsp;In preparation for their big moment on 3 Point Motors William Reid Stakes Day, competitors will also take part in a training day at The Valley to familiarise themselves with the track.On Saturday, two pony races will be held for state finalists aged 9 to 15. The first, over 450m at 11:30 am, is for ponies not exceeding 12.2hh, while the second, over 700m, is for ponies not exceeding 14hh. That event will take place following Race 3 on the card at 1:30 pm.&nbsp;Moonee Valley Racing Club has enjoyed its association with TIC and Pony Club Australia, providing young riders with the opportunity to gain experience on a major racing stage. The Valley hosted a leg of the first National Pony Racing Series in 2023, and last year on 3 Point Motors William Reid Stakes Day held a Shetland Pony Race.With the next generation of riders set to take centre stage once again, The Valley looks forward to another thrilling chapter in this growing series.

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The MVRC in conjunction with Ladbrokes and Southside Racing are excited to unveil a new look sixteenth season of the popular series.

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