Racing Victoria has increased prize money for next month’s race by $10,000 - from $80,000 to $90,000 - with the cup winner receiving $49, 500.

Minimum prize money for maiden races has jumped from $15,000, to $20,000.

O’Connor said as the cup’s popularity continued to grow, so too should its winnings.

“Part of our submission was to grow our cup to $100,000 over the three years, so we want to get to that next year,” he said.

“Year one was always 80, year two 90 and next year we will be lobbying to go to $100,000.

“We think that’s where our cup is best to sit at.”

The Albury Gold Cup was a $50,000 race before growing to $170,000 and listed status.

The Wodonga Cup meeting, which will be held on Friday, November 27, will remain at eight races.

But there’s the possibility of an extra race, depending on the volume of nominations.

“Next year we would hope that we can go to nine races,” O’Connor said.

“We may go to nine out of pure nominations (this year) because we are hoping nominations are strong.”

Almost 5000 racegoers watched Wodonga trainer Brian Cox win his 11^th hometown cup last year, the first cup held on a public holiday.

The holiday is locked in for a further two years and O’Connor believes the crowds will continue to grow.

“The goal this year would be upwards of 6000,” he said.

“We are confident based on last year and with more businesses having a day off this year we can reach that mark.

“Corporate marquee packages are strong and filling up quickly.”

Prize money isn’t the only improvement for the cup, with a power upgrade among several changes.

Intermittent power outages, a bottled water shortage and restricted viewing of the home straight from the grandstand were concerns raised at last year’s cup.

“The power upgrade is starting in a week’s time,” O’Connor said.

“We’ve got our new terrace deck area and the place has changed completely.

“We’ve got so much more open space and some exciting new areas.”

Wodonga will have two meetings before the cup.

They are slated for Saturday, October 17 – Caulfield Cup Day - and Monday, October 26.