The future of both jumps and flat racing alike looks bright at Warrnambool in south-west Victoria ahead of the three day May Racing Carnival that will take place next week.

This year’s carnival has evoked immense interest which has led to record prize money and the addition of two extra races on the first day of the carnival.

A record $1.135 million is being offered across the carnival’s duration, a figure which is substantially higher than last year’s.

Racing Victoria’s Chief Executive, Rob Hines, was instrumental in increasing the carnival’s prize money.

“The Tabcorp Warrnambool May Racing Carnival is one the premier events on the Victorian racing calendar with its unique blend of flat and jumps racing and we are delighted, in conjunction with the Warrnambool Racing Club, to offer record prize money for 2011,” Mr Hines said.

“The industry has demonstrated their support of the Carnival, and the increased stakes on offer, with an amazing number of entries and the quality of racing across the three days will be exceptional.

“We wish the Warrnambool Racing Club and participants every success for the Carnival and we encourage racing fans and the local community to experience this year’s event first hand.”

Warrnambool Racing Club Chief Executive, John Green, is delighted with the interest that has surrounded this year’s event and is expecting record crowds to complement the record race numbers and prize money.

“Our sponsorship and hospitality packages are up 10 percent on 2010 which demonstrates the support for the Carnival and we’re expecting over 30,000 people to attend over the three days,” Green said.

“We’re delighted with the fields assembled for the opening day and are pleased to offer the opportunity for the connections of a further 28 horses to compete with the two extra races.

“We’re just one horse shy of capacity fields for all 10 races on Tuesday which highlights the depth and quality of racing on offer and we expect this to be reflected on days two and three.”