Sunday’s meeting at Benalla was abandoned before the first race due to the state of the track, which was adversely affected by irrigation on race morning.

“The circumstances that led to the abandonment of Sunday’s Benalla meeting were unacceptable and the club has been sanctioned accordingly with next Monday’s meeting transferred to Wodonga,” Racing Victoria chief operating officer Bernard Saundry, said.

Racing Victoria also announced compensation of $600 will be paid to the connections of each runner at Benalla, with jockeys to be compensated also following consultation with the Victorian Jockeys Association.

In a further bonus for the Wodonga club, $70,000 worth of bonus in the Super Victorian Owners and Breeders Incentive Scheme that was scheduled for Sunday’s meeting will be transferred to the Wodonga meeting on Saturday, February 25.

Wodonga general manager Brad Thomas said while it was unfortunate for the Benalla Racing Club to forfeit a meeting, the positive for industry participants was the meeting was still being held in the North East region.

“It is extremely disappointing for Benalla because the club has worked hard to get back up and running after being forced to close its track for over 12 months,” Thomas said.

“But our club will be supporting Benalla in whatever way we can to ensure that Benalla is up and racing because the stronger we are in the North East the better it is for everyone involved.

“The bonus is thankfully the transferred meeting is staying in the North East and our local owners and trainers don’t have to travel as far to race.

“It also gives the club another opportunity to showcase the quality of the track we have, particularly to industry participants.

“We are extremely proud of the fact that we can step up when required and the industry has got faith in us to host transferred meetings.

“The club has invested wisely in the past decade in regards to it’s drainage and alongside the hard work done by racecourse manager, Dylan O’Neill and apprentice Dustyn Cundy who keep the track in immaculate condition is why we are able to get these opportunities.”

The meeting has attracted 334 nominations for the eight-race card.