On the eve of the Darwin Cup Carnival, chief executive Phillip Neck has confirmed principal corporate, Foster's Australia, has agreed to extend its sponsorship for a further five years.

Neck, who will preside over his first Carnival as chief executive, made the announcement at last night's official launch at Fannie Bay to signify the Top End's forthcoming smorgasbord of racing.

"To Lincoln Jenkin and his team (at Foster's), thank you for your support," Neck told up to 300 invited guests.

"It's also an apt opportunity to announce that this relationship between Foster's and the Darwin Cup Carnival is further solidified with the announcement of a new, five-year sponsorship agreement."

In other good news, the Darwin Turf Club was already looking at enhancing the industry base with the announcement of total stakes from July 1, 2011 to June 30, 2012 in Darwin, up 8.15per cent, or $286,240.

Neck also said last night that jockey fees would rise from $200 to $220.

The unplaced owners' subsidy had been increased from $400 to $420.

"Overall stakes in the Northern Territory will rise by 9 per cent to $6,249,780 - up over a half a million dollars in the almost completed 2010/11 year," Neck said.

Major stakemoney increases to this year's Cup Carnival as follows:

Carlton Mid Darwin Cup (up $15,000 to $175,000);

Darwin Airport Resort Palmerston Sprint (up $10,000 to $120,000);

SkyCity NT Derby (up $10,000 to $120,000);

Bridge Toyota Cup (up $7,000 to $42,000).

The Trans Territory Foods Chief Minister's Cup, Hot 100 Darwin Guineas, Colemans Printing Cup and Sky Racing Metric Mile would all enjoy increases of $5,000.

"Another major stake increase is next year's St Patrick's Cup, which will be boosted from $25,000 in 2010 to $32,500 next year," Neck said.

"The Darwin Turf Club has just agreed upon an upgrade of the Members Clubhouse which will see 14 new televisions going into the area plus a new fit out incorporating new carpets, decor and lighting.

"This year will also see the Carnibal showcased to a vast audience through out broadcast carriers Sky Channel."

"Once again our pictures will be seen not only right around the country, but in parts of New Zealand, Asia and into the US.

"We look forward to consolidating on these opportunities and can only hope that this will lead to further exposure on a regular basis to these very regions."

Day one of the Carnival starts with the running of the $60,000 Hot 100 Darwin Guineas (1600m) for three-year-olds on Saturday, July 2.

It concludes with the $175,000 Carlton Mid Darwin Cup (2000m) on Monday, August 1.

Over $1.7 million will be up for grabs during the Carnival.