The $250,000 Grand National Steeplechase, $100,000 JJ Houlahan Hurdle, $100,000 Australian Hurdle and $100,000 Australian Steeplechase have been transferred to Sportsbet-Ballarat from Sandown, which has been shut down for the remainder of the season.

As well, Ballarat Turf Club picked up a midweek metropolitan all-flat race meeting which was to have been run at Sandown.

The BTC also put up its hand for the Grand National Hurdle, but this is going to Warrnambool with the Crisp Steeplechase.

BTC chief executive officer Lachlan McKenzie said it was an outstanding outcome.

“This is a fantastic boost to our racing schedule and a great vote of confidence from the racing industry in our track and facilities,” he said.

McKenzie said the addition of the four feature jumps events and two metropolitan class fixtures would mean an additional $650,000 in stakemoney being distributed through the BTC.

The club lobbied to attract the Grand National Steeplechase and Hurdle, and Australian Steeplechase and Hurdle after Racing Victoria announced early this week that the Sandown track had been deemed unsuitable for any more racing this season and was undergoing remedial work to ensure it was fit to race from the start of next season, on  August 1.

The Grand National Steeplechase and Houlahan Hurdle will be run on Sunday, July 26.

This will replace a meeting which had been scheduled for Wednesday, July 29, but will  now be at Cranbourne.

The Australian Hurdle and Australian Steeplechase will be added to the existing BTC meeting on Sunday, May 31.

The additional midweek metropolitan race will be on Wednesday, June 17.

Ballarat was to have raced on Thursday, June 18, but this will be now be at Seymour.

McKenzie said the Grand National Steeplechase, 4500m, would provide a unique opportunity to run the one race on the inner and outer tracks.

The exact configuration of the event is still to be finalised.

BTC races next on Sunday, May 10, with a Mother’s Day theme.

david.brehaut@fairfaxmedia.com.au