Gundagai Adelong Racing Club secretary Len Tozer doubted he would ever see the day the Snake Gully Cup was run for $100,000.
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But that dream is now a reality after Racing NSW announced this week a series of prizemoney increases to the state's leading country Cup carnivals.
Wagga, Albury and Gundagai were the winners in the Southern District with an injection of $312,000 in prizemoney across the three carnivals.
At Gundagai, the Snake Gully Cup (1400m) has increased from $70,000 to $100,000, while the Snake Gully Flying (1000m) jumped $15,000 to $50,000.
It will also host a $50,000 Country Magic, for country-trained horses only, while each of the four remaining races on Snake Gully Cup day will be worth $35,000.
Tozer believes the prizemoney increases are the best thing to happen to the club.
"Our club, like all clubs that received the increase, is elated," Tozer said.
"I never thought I'd see the day where we have a $100,000 Snake Gully Cup. We had envisaged that it would happen but it would be pretty well down the track.
"For it to happen out of the blue like that, it's the best thing that ever could have happened to our club.
"It will give it the real boost it needs."
Tozer believes the benefits of the increase will be twofold.
"I think, naturally, we'll see a better grade of horse," he said.
"And turnover on races will increase accordingly, I would think."
Gundagai will be the first of the Southern District clubs to run its new-look carnival with Snake Gully Cup day scheduled for November 15.
Albury Racing Club also welcomed an increase in prizemoney for four races over their Gold Cup carnival in March.
"It's an exciting announcement and Racing NSW should be commended for its commitment to country racing," club chief Steve Hetherton said.
"It strengthens the Albury Gold Cup carnival brand."
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