On Wednesday Racing NSW announced major prize money increases to country racing carnivals across the state including the Wellington Boot.
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There will now be eight feature Country Cup races with prize money of $200,000 including the Wellington racecourse, plus Port Macquarie, Goulburn, Albury, Tamworth, Wagga Wagga, Scone and Grafton.
The prize money increase will come into effect on August, 1, 2019. Currently the existing prize-money for the Wellington Boot is $150,000.
Wellington Race Club president, Ian Darney said he was extremely happy to find out the feature race at the Wellington Boot would receive a prize money boost.
"It was out of the blue. We struggled and struggled to get it up to $100,000... to get to $200,000 that's beyond my wildest dreams," he said.
"In a small town like Wellington it's huge prize money."
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In the past the Boot has attracted the likes of high profile racing trainers including Gai Waterhouse, and Bjorn Baker to the annual event.
Mr Darney said increasing the prize money would hopefully have a positive flow on effect to the local economy.
"It might result in a few more people through the gate and a few more sales behind the bar... and it's just good overall for the town, for the pubs, clubs and accommodation," he said.
At the local race meeting it will also feature a new $50,000 'Country Magic' race, which is restricted to country-trained horses.
The aim is to ensure country participants have an extra opportunity to compete at feature meetings.
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Prize money for racing has increased over the years and Mr Darney said his concerns with that was how hard it would be for country trainers to get a winner.
"Anyone can fill up a horse float and come down from Sydney... but without country trainers you don't have country racing," he said.
The Boot has also attracted two new major sponsors this year, Hermitage Hill and Keirle's Chemist, which Mr Darney hopes the whole community can be proud of.
"I'm extremely proud and the committee is tickled pink, obviously," he said. "It's a thankless job at times being all voluntary, there's a lot of work involved. But when it comes to something like this it make sit all worthwhile."
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Minister for Better Regulation and Innovation, Kevin Anderson said the investment in country race days will help strengthen links between clubs and the communities.
"Racing is more than just an event in regional communities, it's part of the culture, which is why we want to continue to make racing as enjoyable and accessible as possible," Mr Anderson said.
Racing NSW will provide marketing and promotional support to local race clubs.
Support will also be provided by Destination NSW to drive tourism opportunities around the events.