It is estimated the prestigious event will inject approximately $1.1 million into Wagga as visitors flock from destinations far and wide for the big race. 

Accommodation facilities have been booked out since Wednesday afternoon as local watering holes and restaurants have braced for a surge in cater-ship. 

Geoff Kidd, owner of the Lawson Hotel, said it comes as no surprise considering the event’s booming popularity. 

“Every year it seems to get bigger,” he said. 

"It should be the biggest year we've had. I've heard the track is almost at the maximum they can accommodate on ground, so perhaps we need to look at how we expand, or where we go next.

“It brings a different crowd; they're different kinds of people and they’ll go to the main street, and then to the restaurants, and the shops and it all adds up.”

The spike in popularity of the event comes after years of successful attendance numbers. 

Destination Riverina Murray chair Genevieve Fleming said having 12,000 locals and visitors attend the Riverina provided a great opportunity to showcase the beauty of the region. 

“When our city counterparts have an experience in the country, they go home, they talk and they come back,” Ms Fleming said.

 “It’s really encouraging … and it’s growing.

“Everyone benefits from race day.” she said. “We’re all part of tourism sector.”

The two-day carnival concluded on Friday.