“It is another dimension to the race that one of the driving forces behind it, Pat Gurr, wanted to have, as calcuttas are always popular parts of country cups,” Racing NSW chief executive Peter V’landys said. “There will be a $100,000 from ticket sales to start the pool and we think it will be the largest calcutta in Australia.

“We are in the process of organising a venue where it could be broadcast live on Sky channel, so that registered bidders will be able to sit at home and bid on the horses. A $5 ticket really gives people two opportunities to win. They could win a slot and have a horse running in the race for them or they could draw a horse and get a big windfall from the calcutta.”

V'landys said tickets sales had been solid, despite some early teething problems.

"The tickets are starting to become very popular and teaming with pubs is certainly working. This is a way for anyone to become involved in the biggest racing event," V'landys said. "When we held The Everest for the first time last year, we had The Kosciuszko in mind and we are happy with the way it is tracking with ticket sales so far."

Racing NSW has pledged $125,000 from Kosciuszko ticket sales to the Aussie Helpers charity to support NSW farmers.