Put up the good stakes and they will come.
That's the theory for the Otago Racing Club every year on ''Champions Day'' and the formula seems to work.
The meeting, held annually at the end of January or early February, is the only meeting south of Christchurch given premier status by New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing.
The meeting is scheduled for Wingatui this Saturday.
What that means for owners and trainers is a considerable increase in race stakes.
Four races will be run for $20,000, another two will be run for $25,000, and the open sprint will be worth $40,000.
Further to that, the Dunedin Gold Cup and Dunedin Guineas are worth $50,000 and the feature - the White Robe Lodge Handicap - is worth $70,000 in total, with $43,750 going to the winner.
Otago Racing Club chief executive Andre Klein said the absence of such rich stakes in the lower South Island meant there was never a problem with lack of horses when Champions day rolled around ever year.
''The meeting always attracts huge numbers. For the last couple of years, it's been the highest number of starters for any race meeting in New Zealand,'' Klein said.
''Judging by the numbers that have been attracted to race meetings in the South in the last month or so there's no reason for us not to anticipate huge numbers again. From a racing perspective, we are hoping it will be a bumper day.''
The club promotes the meeting as one for the purists.
''It's the day where we put horse racing first and foremost.
''Our objective is to get as many racing folk to the race day and let them feast on what we've got to offer.
''It's the ideal day for us to run a punter-of-the-year competition so we'll be looking to do that again.''
The punter of the year competition will be free to enter. Individuals will need a pool of $200 while teams will require $400 in funds at the start of the competition.
The prize for the winning individual is a trip to the Cromwell races in March, with accommodation betting vouchers and dinner included, while the winning team will enjoy a night at Dunedin Casino.
Nominations for the meeting did not close until yesterday, and Klein was unsure who might line up in the White Robe Lodge Handicap or the Dunedin Guineas.
''We saw a couple of North Islanders go around in the Gore Guineas and we anticipate those guys lining up again, but haven't heard anything specifically for the White Robe Lodge.
''We have had a few phone calls but nobody has committed, but they have a habit of surprising you - you don't know what's based in Christchurch and makes the trip down.''
Taieri trainers have a good record. Last year was no exception, with The Diamond One winning the White Robe Lodge Handicap for Steven Anderton, while the Dunedin Guineas went to trainers Brian and Shane Anderton.
