The worlds most prestigious trotting carnival. Jan 10 – Feb 28

The 2026 Aurora Australis shines an international spotlight on Victorian trotting. Commencing in January, this eight-race series encompasses the feature trotting races that headline the start of a new racing year.

The Aurora Australis commences with the $100,000 Maori Mile at Bendigo on Saturday 10 January, where the fastest trotting stars compete for glory on one of the quickest tracks in Victoria.

One week later, the trotters will contest the Group 3 $30,000 Shepparton Trotters Cup.

The series then heads to Ballarat on Pacing Cup Night for the Group 1 $75,000 Ballarat Trotters Cup on Saturday night 18 January.

Cranbourne plays host to the next leg of the Aurora Australis series of races, with the $75,000 Group 1 Cranbourne Trotters Cup on Saturday night 24 January.

Kilmore will host Group 1 multiple Group 1 events on their Cup night including the 75,000 Group 1 Kilmore Trotters Cup.

Victoria’s metropolitan track Melton, plays host to the next legs of the Aurora Australis series of races – with the $290,000 Great Southern Star series (two $20,000 Heats into a $250,000 Final) on Saturday night 14 February.

The final leg is the $75,000 Group 1 Just Believe Grand Prix on 28 February.

An attractive target to Australasia’s best trotters, the Aurora Australis will attract international participation from the key global trotting markets in the years to come.