The Boot, which will be held on April 8 next year, is easily Wellingotn’s biggest meeting of the year and has a reputation that brings trainers from across the state.

It is a $50,000 boost from the 2017 race, taken out by Lucy Rose.

Racing NSW CEO Peter V’landys said the Boot, along with the Port Macquarie Cup, Goulburn Cup, Tamworth Cup and Wagga Town Plate, would get an increase.

“These are well-established country feature races. The increase will provide impetus for the clubs to further develop these race meetings and build their recognition not only within racing, but to their local community,” he said.

Racing NSW has also expanded the schedule of Showcase race meetings from 40 to 45 in 2017/18, upgrading five key country carnival race days to a minimum of $30,000 in prize money per race.

Almost all of these meetings will have one a race carrying prize money of $40,000 for horses who have not won a race and that are domiciled and trained in the NSW country area,” Mr V’landys said.

“The Showcase meetings continue to provide a tremendous opportunity for country participants to race for great prize money on a regular basis.”

Racing NSW has also increase the number of country TAB meetings to be conducted for 2017/18 from 645 to 664.

The announcements will inject a further $2 million into country racing, the organisation said.