Racing Victoria will amend its track preparation policy, set to coincide with the introduction of a new national ratings system on 1 December.

Currently the policy dictates that track managers should aim to prepare a track that is rated Good 3 – a track “with good grass coverage and cushion” – for the majority of the race meeting.

The existing ratings of Fast 1, Good 2-3, Dead 4-5, Slow 6-7 and Heavy 8-10 will be replaced by Firm 1-2, Good 3-4, Soft 5-7 and Heavy 8-10 from the start of next month.

The updated policy states that the aim should still be to deliver a Good 3 for the majority of the race meeting, but at no stage should the track reach Firm 1 or 2.

Racing Victoria Executive General Manager Infrastructure and Club Support, Jamie McGuinness, said the policy was updated to provide clarity to clubs and to ensure the safety and welfare of participants on the fairest possible racing surface.

“This updated track preparation policy is the result of an extensive consultation process which incorporated metropolitan and regional track managers and administrators, along with the trainers, jockeys and owners’ associations, punters, participants, media representatives and vets,” McGuinness said.

“The review supported the finding that a Good 3 track, that being one with good grass coverage and cushion, is the ideal track for the safety of participants and to deliver fair and competitive racing.

“Under the updated policy, we do not want to see Firm 1 or Firm 2 tracks at any point during a race meeting, however, we’re reiterating to all clubs the need to provide an accurate rating should circumstances lead to a track that is not presented as a Good 3.”

Workshops will be conducted with Victorian track managers next week to detail the policy, which will also be when the new national ratings system is introduced.