The annual Drouin and District Race Club Boxing Day picnic races are set to return this Thursday - with an earlier start time than expected.
The races at the club's McGlone Rd home base, directly next to the Drouin Golf Club, were originally due to kick off at 1pm until the final race at around 4:20pm.
However, with temperatures predicted to reach mid to high 30s, Country Racing Victoria has made the decision to move the races forward to avoid the heat.

The races will now begin at 11:55am with the final race due to kick off at 2:40pm.
Gates will also open earlier at 10am.
Regardless of the change in times, it will be the culmination of a turbulent few years for the club.
COVID lockdowns, poor weather and a crossing that failed to pass an inspection have meant the club has hosted just one fully attended meeting since 2019.
Despite the heat, club officials are keen and ready to get the races back on track, figuratively and literally.
Club president Mark Leighton has previously labelled this year's event as "critical" for the event's future as the committee looks to get the trust back from the local community and encourage as many people as possible for a day out at the races.
For more information, including available tickets and packages, head to country.racing.com/drouin