Thanks Esp; just googled it ‘The winner of the inaugural race collected just over £20,000, making it the fourth most lucrative prize behind the Grand National, Cheltenham Gold Cup and Champion Hurdle.’
Found this article which sums it up very well.
https://thisrottensportofhorseracing.blogspot.com/2017/11/#:~:text=It%20was%20May%20Day%201978,pot%20on%20offer%2C%20not%20having
