BOXING Day will be different for many this year with the Penshurst Cup changing dates.

The annual race meet will now move to November 20, the weekend after Dunkeld Cup, with the Penshurst Racing Club looking towards the future.

Club president, Mick McKinnon said the change was needed to re-energise the committee going forward.

“We requested the change,” he said.

“Over the last few years, Country Racing Victoria (CRV) has been trying to drop off one of its Boxing Day race meets.

“Sometimes there are eight meets on the day and availability of jockeys and other things can become an issue.

“For the long-term future of our club, we decided to move the meet to a different date.”

The first Boxing Day races in the district was held more than 130 years ago with the tradition set to end in 2021.

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