HRV and Cranbourne have announced that stake money for the Decron Cranbourne Pacing Cup will be lifted to $100,000. The race becomes only the second group 1 country cup to be run on the provincial circuit.

HRV has also announced that the $50,000 Group 1 Bill Collins Trotters Mile will be transferred to the Cranbourne December 11 meeting, making for what should be a bumper night of harness racing.

Cranbourne chief executive officer David Scott was ecstatic.

"We're delighted to be involved at this level and look forward to assembling super fields to contest both group 1 races at our venue. We are also excited to have our cup meeting scheduled for December 11, just two weeks out from Christmas."

Scott also acknowledged the role of the club's sponsors in elevating the status of the Cranbourne Cup meeting.

"Decron Horse Care Products has recently renewed its sponsorship and marketing agreement with the club for 2010-11."

The 2010 running of the Decron Cranbourne Pacing Cup looks set to attract an outstanding field.

Last year's race provided one of the great talking points of the season, with Bettors Strike and Ohoka Nevada dead-heating for first place.

On the night, Bettors Strike was adjudged the winner of the cup by the barest possible margin, but the result was challenged by the connections of Ohoka Nevada and stewards ultimately adjudicated a dead heat.