Schooling will take place instead of the six-race card, which attracted just five nominations.

However, Warrnambool Racing Club chief executive John Green said about 21 horses from across Victoria would use the facility for less-intense training today.

“We’re just providing a schooling opportunity so horses can start the next step in their preparation,” he said.

“It’s for anyone who wants to give their horses some practice. Up to six horses can run around in a simulated race in trials, but schooling is less-intense exercise.

“They will just go around in ones or twos.”

The trials were the first on the Warrnambool calendar this year.

Green said three more trial dates had been set before the club hosts its first jumps race of the season on April 2.

He said trials would be more popular as jumpers reach the peak of their preparation.

“It’s up to trainers to come up with an appropriate program and determine whether their horses are ready for trials,” he said.

The track will be open from 10am today.

The next trials, which feature hurdles and steeples, are on Friday, February 17.

Murray Bridge kicks off the national jumps racing program on March 4 before Sandown hosts the first of the Victorian calendar on March 28.