Ballarat Turf Club was scheduled to have its first race meeting on refurbished circuit on Sunday, May 11.

The inner track will now be used for the first time since the completion of the $1.5m project on Sunday, June 1.

Racing Victoria announced today the May 11 program would be transferred to Sandown Lakeside and Thursday, May 22 meeting to Bendigo.

The project included laying new turf, improving drainage and levelling the home straight.

RV racing operations manager Paul Bloodworth said with hot weather earlier this year causing a delay in the establishment of the new turf, it had been decided it was best to be cautious.

He said a delay would ensure the track was in top condition when racing returned.

"The two spells of hot weather meant the laying of the turf was delayed and it will not be ready to return to racing in May as scheduled," Bloodworth said.

"The hot weather meant the turf was unable to be transported to the racecourse and laid until two weeks later than originally planned so we have transferred these two meetings in May to allow the turf further time to properly establish.