ALBURY often feels overlooked when it comes to NSW.
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Be it from a government point of view or through the Melbourne-centric news focus of the radio and television media.
But in one sector it has become increasingly clear Albury is on the radar of its NSW bosses.
That area is horse racing.
The success of the Albury Gold Cup carnival held each March has been noticed in thoroughbred circles and in particular by Racing NSW.
Evidence of that was apparent with the announcement this week of a staggering $305,000 increase in prizemoney for the two-day carnival in 2017.
It is testament to how far the event has come over the past 20 years.
In the late 1990s and early 2000s the value of the Gold Cup was regularly questioned as part of an annual debate about whether it warranted a half-day holiday.
Council, industry and union figures would question the impact of a break in terms of productivity, tourism and socialising.
Over time the Gold Cup has proven itself worthy of the holiday with crowds having built towards 20,000 and marquees filled with many punters who had spent money on outfits especially for the day.
It’s biggest shake-up since the half-day holiday became standard will occur next year with the first day of the carnival switched from Thursday to Sunday.
The opening day will feature a qualifying heat of the Country Championships and be a Country Showcase meeting with minimum race prizemoney of $30,000.
Six days later, on the Friday, the Gold Cup will be run with the traditional lead-in the City Handicap added to the program.
Added significance will be given to the City Handicap next year with Albury Racing Club stalwart David Wallace to have his name added to the event.
It is a worthy tribute to a man who has become synonymous with racing in Albury and was recently recognised with an award from the Southern District Racing Association.
The jump in prizemoney and status for the carnival comes among two other big changes.
They involve the course’s track being relaid and Mark Cronin replacing Mr Wallace as the racing club’s president.
Based on the club’s recent form, those moves are odds-on to be winners.