Close to half-a-million dollars will be handed out in prize money across two days of racing spanning 15 events. 

Club secretary/manager Rob Tweedie said the $430,000 prize pool was drawing plenty of attention from NSW trainers and even Sydney and Melbourne, but country trainers won’t be left in the lurch. 

“The maiden race is for $40,000, but it’s exclusive for the smaller trainers and country NSW, the city trainers won’t be able to secure that,” Mr Tweedie said. 

The headline Bega Cup will boast a $50,000 prize pool, while there is also a $40,000 sprint and $35,000 2200m run. 

Mr Tweedie said Sunday would be the feature race day with all supporting races sporting a $30,000 prize pool, while the seven-race card on Saturday would all run for $20,000. 

“It’s great, the club is progressing immensely each year and we’re getting stronger, it really is the jewel of country racing.”

Highly regarded Cranbourne trainer Richard Laming is a likely inclusion of a team to contest the Cup, while there has also been interest from Kembla Grange and even high-profile Sydney trainers showing interest in the two cards. 

“100 per cent it’s going to be quality racing on both days,” Mr Tweedie said. 

And the trainers are showing a lot of interest in the growing Sapphire Club. 

“We get so much praise because it is a magnificent facility.”

And a facility officials have been busily expanding, with the first set of new stables to be officially opened during Saturday’s meet. 

“The new stables are a great asset to the club for trainers from across the state to be able to come in and stay overnight is a real plus,” Mr Tweedie said.

He said it gave the teams a chance to also bring their families and enjoy a short break on the coast, which would boost accommodation and tourism in the area. 

It won’t just be the races that are high stakes either, with the club also hosting a qualifying leg of the SERA fashions on the field competition. 

A local entrant will qualify to represent the area at the final in Goulburn.