After negotiations with Harness Racing Victoria over the past 12 months Stawell Harness Racing Club has decided to move the cup meeting from December to January, so they could secure a full day meeting.

Having a full day meeting has resulted in the Stawell Harness Racing Club having more time to entertain the crowd, instead of being rushed between races.

Stawell Harness Racing Club president Geoff Sanderson is pleased with the outcome and looks forward to a full day or harness racing.

"The public will have more time to relax this way," Sanderson said.

"We can take the time doing things during the day. We have live music between races as well as interviews with trainers and drivers."

This year Hygain has been secured as the major sponsors.

Hygain has been a long term sponsor through track sponsorship for many years and is a great supporter of harness racing across Victoria.

The pacing cup carries prizemoney of $25,000 plus a rug and a trophy for the winning connections.

The Trotters Cup is another great race with $10,500 on offer as well as a rug and trophy.

There will be two Vicbred platinum races with a $10,275 final for C1 and C2 mares and a $7375 Vicbred platinum race heat for three year old pacers.

A massive $72,000 in stakes is available over the eight races as well as the $6500 in trophies and rugs.

Stawell Harness Racing Club has joined forces with Victorian Harness Sports Club to give a $1000 winner's bonus to any owner that is a member of the club.

The bistro will be open for meals during the day and snack food is also available.

Children will be well catered for with a range of activities on offer throughout the day.

"We are looking forward to showing Harness Racing Victoria that the public will support our full day meeting," Sanderson said.

"We are hopeful of having a big crowd in attendance."

In terms of horses last year's winner Arber is expected to return to defend his crown and after winning two other cups last season, is just starting to find some form.

Arber won a few weeks ago at Tabcorp Park Melton and will be hunting for another victory early in the new year.

Peter Manning will enter Narra Operative and will be a good chance with his current form while daughter Kerryn has a stable of free for all horses to pick from including many from the Butterworth team.

Michelle Wight is sure to have Wheatsheaf Avaball entered and off the front row will be a big chance.

Racing action will take place on January 4, however nominations close on Tuesday, December 30 at 12 noon and fields will be out on Wednesday, December 31.

"We look forward to the Stawell community getting behind our biggest race meeting and turning out for what should be a great day," Sanderson said.

Entry is free for any age.