HEFTY prizemoney increases to the Warrnambool Cup and the Wangoom Handicap will see more than $2 million up for grabs for the 2019 TAB Warrnambool May Racing Carnival.
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The Warrnambool Cup will be a $250,000 race up from $200,000 while the Wangoom Handicap increases from $150,000 to $175,000.
Stakemoney could top $2.05 million depending on divisions in races as all flat races for the three-day carnival receive a prizemoney hike.
The minimum stake for any maiden or restricted flat race will be $30,000 up from $25,000 this year.
Warrnambool Racing Club chief executive officer Peter Downs said the increases would see better class horses running at the carnival.
“Prizemoney back in 2015 was $1.49 million, for 2019 we’ll be offering more than $2 million,” he said.
“The prizemoney lifts are a great result for owners, trainers and our carnival.
“The extra money should see the carnival and the club go from strength to strength.
“We’ve received wonderful support from Racing Victoria, Country Racing Victoria and our valued sponsors on setting our prizemoney benchmarks for 2019.”
Other flat races to receive hefty increases include the VOBIS Gold Strike, now $100,000 formerly $70,000 and an open handicap on Tuesday will be $60,000 instead of $40,000.
Racing Victoria’s executive general manager racing Greg Carpenter said the May Racing Carnival was the pre-eminent country carnival in Australia.
“The 2018 carnival was a tremendous success, with wagering turnover rising by 15 per cent compared to last year, field sizes up six per cent and prizemoney increasing by 7.5 per cent, and we are confident that trend is set to continue next year,” he said.
The 2019 carnival is scheduled for Tuesday, April 30 to Thursday, May 2.
