Mark Bayliss believes next year’s inaugural The Bluff Knoll in Albany will signal a new and exciting era for country racing in Western Australia.

Bayliss, Albany Racing Club’s general manager, today (Wednesday) announced 13 slot holders for WA racing’s latest innovative race.

The Bluff Knoll follows the hugely successful slot race concept of the $20 million Everest in Sydney and the $4 million Quokka in Perth.

Maintaining a local theme, the race is named after Bluff Knoll, the highest peak of the Stirling Range in the Great Southern region.

With a lucrative $350,000 in stakes on offer, WA’s richest provincial event, the race will be run over 1099m, the same height as the Bluff Knoll.

Bayliss said he’s certain The Bluff Knoll, to be staged on March 10, will attract the attention and interest of WA racing fans.

“It’s been probably 12-months for this race to come to fruition,” Bayliss said on Tabradio.

“We are really excited and have 13 slot holders with a bit of a mix in the group.

“A few trainers, a few individuals and a couple of companies.

“$350,000 is the slot race and we pay down to 13th.

“$150,000 goes to the winner and breaks itself down through the scale.

“This is going to be a great concept and I think will attract record crowds.

“I’m hoping for around five to six thousand people.

“We normally get two and a half thousand for our Boxing Day meeting.

“It’s such a special event and we are seeing the support of sponsors and members growing.”

The slot holders for The Bluff Knoll on March 10 include: