Club secretary-manager Rob Tweedie said there had been a "declining trend of horses in each race" over the past few years on Boxing Day as a non-TAB meet and the shift would renew focus on growing the racing aspect of the club.

He said the club's January 2 race meet would still provide a gratifying social catch-up for holiday-makers.

"Obviously Boxing Day is a big social day - but we feel with Jan 2 being so close we'll focus on that as the big social meet for the year."

A secondary concern was the financial strain of holding a public holiday meeting with the Christmas period being particularly challenging to coordinate.

However, the switch to an additional TAB card would boost consistency for trainers and jockeys who travel to take part.

"The offer was made to us by Racing NSW that we could trade the day to a Saturday meet with full TAB backing," Mr Tweedie said.

"So we agreed and it will run on February 15, which is two weeks after our big two-day Bega Carnival. it fits in with the program to run that way."

The extra meet will become the Pambula Cup race day.

He said the switch would boost an additional meet already granted to the club, which will now see 12 race days in the year.

"We're trying to build continuity between the Moruya and Sapphire Turf Clubs," Mr Tweedie said.

"They have 13 meetings and we have 12, so with 25 meets between them someone racing in the area can compete about every two weeks.

"The decision is all about the growth of racing in the south east - we would love to get up to 15 meetings in a year if we can keep providing a great racing service with good fields and attracting more trainers."

Mr Tweedie said it was a good move for the club and he was delighted to see growing interest around the club, praising upgrades and infrastructure for the rise in visiting trainers.

"I've been here going on eight years now and the steady growth is exciting," he said.

"It's something to be proud of, not just for myself, but the whole committee."