Racing Victoria's commitment to stayers will be further demonstrated next season with the introduction of 3000 metre flat races at Ballarat.

Their introduction will complement the existing programming of 3000 metres races in metropolitan Melbourne at Moonee Valley and Sportingbet Park (Sandown).

A series of 3000-metre races, the first on 13 September, will be programmed at Ballarat throughout the 2012-13 season to provide enhanced opportunities for emerging country stayers.

The longest distance currently used for flat racing at Ballarat is 2300 metres.