MORE than $1.7 million in prizemoney will be up for grabs at this year’s May Racing Carnival, Warrnambool Racing Club chairman Des Roberts declared at the event’s launch yesterday.
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“We’re offering top prizemoney and we hope that will attract top quality horses,” Mr Roberts said.
“The Warrnambool Cup is a $200,000 race while the Grand Annual Steeplechase carries stakemoney of $250,000.
“These two features offer amazing prizemoney for a country carnival.”
Mr Roberts said the club made approaches to Racing Victoria to give the major sprint race, the Wangoom Handicap, a lift in status and prizemoney.
“The Wangoom is the Newmarket Handicap of the bush,” he said.
“It’s a $150,000 race. We feel it should be at least a $175,000 race. We’re always looking at trying to increase the returns for owners and trainers through extra prizemoney.”
Laura Kelly, the face of the carnival and the ambassador former jockey Sam Hyland were trackside for the launch and the eight-race program.
Warrnambool-born Ms Kelly revealed she had been granted a week off work in her job as a nurse-midwife at Werribee Mercy Hospital.
“I’m really excited to be asked to be the face of the carnival,” she said.
“The Warrnambool carnival has been a family tradition for so many years. I’m looking forward to spreading the message.”
Hyland, a dual Warrnambool Cup-winning jockey, said the event was like coming home.
“Warrnambool is like a second home to me,” he said.
“I’ve been lucky to have ridden two Warrnambool Cup winners.
“I’ve got so many family and friends down here. It’s just great to come back and promote it for the club.”
This year’s Warrnambool carnival will be held on May 5, 6 and 7.