The Sydney Cup will figure in a $600,0000 stakes increase, ensuring the winner of next year’s race will earn connections a $1 million windfall.

Run as part of The Championships during the autumn, the extra prize money has been made available because of joint funding from the Australian Turf Club and Racing NSW.

The Sydney Cup purse will be $1.6 million and racing officials are already trying to entice international runners here for the Melbourne carnival to extend their Australian stay.

“These prize money increases will give international horses a further opportunity to pay for their trip,” the ATC’s Matt Rudolph said.

“It will also allow Sydney and Australian trainers more options for bigger prize money over the longer trips.”

The Sydney Cup will be run on April 11, the second day of The Championships.

It stands alongside the Melbourne Cup as one of only two Australian 3200-metre races run at Group One level.