And, this week, that reputation was reinforced with a financial windfall for the event.

The Cup fixture will enjoy an increase in prizemoney to $100,000, when it’s run at Skellatar Park on Friday, December 8.   

Muswellbrook Race Club general manager Duane Dowell welcomed the decision from the committee to endorse a boost to the feature race to further enhance the revitalised Cup Day.

“This has been a goal for some time, so it’s great to be able to deliver on what we had planned,” he said.

“The success of our Gold Sponsors Club and fantastic support from Muswellbrook Shire Council has helped us to reach this level.”

The $100,000 Muswellbrook Cup (1500m) will be backed by Racing NSW as a showcase meeting with minimum prizemoney at $30,000 per race.

Supporting races will include the $50,000 Skellatar Sprint over 1000m, the $40,000 Wayne Harris Handicap (1280m) and the $30,000 2YO Starmaker (1000m) as well as a $40,000 Country Maiden.

Muswellbrook Race Club chairman John Sunderland said the success of last year’s Cup Day was a great boost moving towards the 2017 edition.

“The move away from Melbourne Cup Day was positively received in 2016 with a 40 per cent increase in attendance and a 20 per cent rise in NSW Tab wagering,” he explained.

“I am confident the significance of our feature race day and associated events to complement a Muswellbrook Cup Festival will continue to grow into the future.”

More information can be found at www.muswellbrookraceclub.com.au