Tasmanian Racing says they hope the launch of their new season will further build on gains the sport has made.
The new season kicked off on Wednesday and will run until late April, including 12 Friday night meetings.
The season is headlined by the Listed Tasmanian Newmarket on November 20, which also marks the start of the Ladbrokes Tasmanian Summer Racing Festival
In launching the new season, Tasracing CEO Andrew Jenkins said night racing ‘’generated strong returns for Tasmanian racing’’ after proving popular with punters.
“Average turnover generated per meeting last financial year was $5.579 million,” he said.
“These results will be assisted further going forward as Tasracing has secured free-to-air coverage for several Launceston night meetings on Racing.com.”
The Ladbrokes Tasmanian Summer Racing Festival incorporates all three codes and runs through to the Launceston Cup for thoroughbreds on Wednesday, 24 February.
Thoroughbred racing will remain a major summer drawcard through the three feature cups.
“The marquees are designed to bring together trackside hospitality, Tasmanian food and wine and the atmosphere of cup day,” Jenkins said.
“On the track, Tasmanian jockey Craig Newitt will be chasing an incredible 10th win in the Devonport Cup when the race is run on Wednesday, 6 January 2027.
“In the same race, trainer Glenn Stevenson will be seeking a fourth-successive win.
“The Country Cups at Longford, St Mary’s, Scottsdale and Burnie are also expected to attract strong crowds and remain a highlight of the festival.”
Jenkins said ‘’promoting Tasmanian racing to a national audience across all three codes was important for the industry and the profile of racing here’’.
“In addition to the high quality of racing we expect to see, highlighting Tasmania as a racing destination and promoting the entertainment aspects of the major race days are just as important,” he said.
