A whopping $430,000 in prizes will walk out the door as part of the richest Bega Cup Carnival ever held at the Sapphire Coast Turf Club between Saturday and Sunday. 

But the club will also play hosts to some high stakes fashions contests with the SERA fashions on the field qualifier on Sunday, as well as a “sassiest longstocking” outfit contest on Saturday. 

Race promoter Jess Ryan said the Saturday competition was aimed at the “pin-up era look of the 1930s” and encouraged everyone to throw on their “finest fishnet stockings and outfit” with the chance to win a special lunch for two at Longstocking Brewery. 

“Valued at $170 you’ll be treated to French champagne and oysters on arrival, followed by a sumptuous lunch,” Ms Ryan said. 

Meanwhile, the fashions on Sunday will hit new heights as a qualifying round for the SERA contest that concludes in Goulburn on February 24. 

Ms Ryan said those living within a set radius of the Kalaru club who enter will be in the running two win return flights to Sydney for two as well as the chance to compete in the Goulburn final. 

There will be more than $5,000 in prizes in the offing for the winner. 

However, Ms Ryan said the enormous prize pool for the 15-card meet held over two days was also drawing in some massive interest. 

“Nominations are out for our massive two day Carnival with close to 300 horses nominated,” she said. 

“We are sure to see some great fields thundering round the big track.”

The full nominations are available at the Racing NSW website, but at first glance the Cup Carnival appears to be the strongest competition ever held at the Sapphire Coast Turf Club. 

Club secretary/manager Rob Tweedie said the cash pools – including $50,000 for the Bega Cup feature race itself – had drawn interest from new trainers around Melbourne, Kembla Grange and even Sydney. 

Ms Ryan said there would be a massive spread for race goers on both days off the track. 

Saturday will see the official opening of the new stables with champagne and nibbles from 11am. 

There will also be a flurry of classic cars on show and a fashion parade where nine models will show off the best racewear from Eve of Pambula, CC Bridal and Pretty on the Inside. 

You can also nab a gourmet hotdog, while Saturday night is the Bega Cup calcutta at the Bowling Club with tickets available from 6pm and the draws to be held at 8pm. 

Sunday will feature freshly shucked oysters through the Sapphire Coast Wilderness Oysters, fashions on the field and a free “beauty spot” for make up touch ups.