Sportsbet, which has naming rights to the Dowling Forest Racecourse and Ballarat Cup, is giving away $75,000 in a new promotion run in association with Victoria's richest maiden race, The Hotham, on Friday, October 9.

While the "Backthebattler" competition is open to sporting organisations beyond the Ballarat region, BTC chief executive officer Belinda Glass is urging hometown groups to get on the front foot in an effort to get a share of the prize pool.

"It's an amazing opportunity in what's been a tough year when it comes fundraising," she said.

Glass said the club was encouraging as many sportiing groups as possible to try their luck.

Clubs are able to enter via a form on the Sportsbet blog, stating why they have struggled this year.

An entry will be drawn to align with each of the maximum 14 starters in The Hotham.

The sporting organisation which draws the winner will receive $25,000. Then will follow prizes of $12,500, $7500, $5000, $4000, $3000 and then $2000 down to second last. The group with last across the line will pick up $4000.

The Hotham is aimed at the battlers, with the field selected in reverse ballot conditions.

The maidens with the most starts and least prizemoney get preference for a berth in the field.

Ballarat first ran The Hotham in 2017, when it was won by Tasmanian mare Woohoo. She did not win another race in a 27-start career.

Swan Hill galloper Henry's Affair had his only career win in the race in 2018.

Mylex won last year and went on to enjoy success again at Moe in April.

"Backthebattler" entries" open on Friday, September 4, and close on Thursday, September 24.

BALLARAT Turf Club has one of its longest running spring feature races, the time-honoured $50,000 Gold Nugget, 1600m, on Sunday, September 20.

Nine races are programmed for the meeting.

BALLARAT and District Trotting Club has lost a race meeting scheduled for Saturday, September 26.

With Harness Racing Victoria deciding to end region-based racing on that date, it has transferred the meeting to Melton.

Ballarat will have a nine-race card on Wednesday night.

All October dates are still to be confirmed.