Wellington Race Club vice president Malcolm Brown said the now increase puts The Boot into the top 5 race meets in country NSW for dollar value.

“The winnings increase is really going to bring in the big city trainers,” he said.

Mr Brown said the race club is hoping that a larger audience will tune in to the race.

“Really it’s all about turnover to fund your races, so by getting a Gai Waterhouse or the likes-of to come here we’ll probably see more betting happening and that’s where the money is.”

To help facilitate 2017 and beyond, Racing NSW have provided the race club with a brand new starting gates, and are helping finance a new chain wire fence to keep unwanted wildlife from getting onto the track.

Mr Brown said a new trainer with a familiar name has started training horses out of Wellington. 

“Terry Fahey, who played league footy for Australia, is training horses here now.”

Mr Brown said Mr Fahey is hoping to have more than 10 horses training locally. 

Mr Brown said John Mills has kept the surface in great condition. 

The race club’s next meet will be held on Boxing Day.

“There will be live entertainment… it will be a great day to relax with family and friends after Christmas.”