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The Camperdown, Terang and Colac clubs have been hailed as saviours for Victorian country racing during the drought that has affected many courses.

The three clubs have picked up race meetings and trials from Ararat, Mortlake, Warrnambool and Ballarat over the past three months, catering for almost 1000 horses.

Trainers from Geelong, Ballarat, Hamilton and Stawell also utilised the facilities at the three tracks during the drought period.

Group club manager Karen Van Kempen said it had been a difficult time for the industry and would have been worse without smaller clubs like Camperdown, Terang and Colac.

"The ability of Terang, Colac and Camperdown clubs to accommodate transferring meetings and trials, often at short notice, underscores the significance of this group of clubs to both the racing industry and their communities,' Van Kempen said.

"With almost 100 horses travelling to the local area each week for a period of nearly three months, the positive economic impact upon those communities and the region generally is significant.'

"These small clubs have worked very hard to contribute positively to the Victorian racing industry.

"They are of equal if not more importance to their local community than the other major tracks."