Horse racing: Roma Picnic Race Club has upped the stakes ahead of this month's meeting, offering an incentive for local trainers.

For the first time, the club will present the trainer of the day with a $500 Commerce Roma gift card, to recognise and reward the efforts of country trainers.

President Scott Arthur said it was a small attempt to promote a healthy racing industry in the region.

"We've been pretty passionate about trying to increase our prize money in recent years and now race for close to $70,000,” he said.

"The Synergy Accounts Trainer of the Day award is one way to support the racing industry and acknowledge the efforts of a trainer who stands out.”

The winner will be announced at the end of the racing program, at Bassett Park on Saturday, March 30.

"We thought that by giving them a Commerce Roma gift card, we could be sure the money was spent locally,” Arthur said.

For the first time, Roma Picnic Races will this year offer a Calcutta, at the Commonwealth Hotel from 11am on March 30.