Holly Mason at the races

The Betfair Exchange Tasmanian Summer Racing Carnival (TSRC) commences in Hobart on Friday 8th January 2016 with the $100k Tasmanian Guineas and concludes on Wednesday 24th February 2016 with the $200k Betfair Exchange Launceston Cup Day. During this period 11 race meetings entailing 88 races will be conducted totalling $2.9 million in prizemoney.

More than just a racing event, the Betfair Exchange Tasmanian Summer Racing Carnival is a highlight of the summer months and is a major social event for Tasmanians and interstate visitors. While the carnival is, for some, as much about fashion and parties, for those more interested in the racing it is set to attract quality fields again in 2016.

The TSRC will see the likes of The Cleaner, Admiral, Valiant Warrior, Geegee’s Goldengirl and Hellova Street take on the mainland contingent in 25 feature races with prizemoney between $25k and $200k totalling $1.84 million, including eight LISTED races and four GROUP 3 races. The TSRC will also unearth the next batch of stars with the likes of Count Out, Speedhump, Geegees Gran Lodge, Jerilderie Letter and Nunivak all expected to make their presence felt.

Off the back of a rising profile, courtesy of the State’s own top notch gallopers, plus Wednesday evening’s popular televised night racing from Launceston, expect to see the locals challenged by a decent contingent of interstate runners whose connections will be eying the handsome purses on offer during the Carnival. In 2015, Victorian trainer John Salanitri trained I Love It to a superb 3.8-lengths win in the $150,000 Gr3 Bow Mistress Trophy (1200m) in Hobart.

The Tasmanian Magic Millions Yearling sale will also be conducted during the TSRC on Thursday 18th February 2016. The sale is now established as a must attend with graduates of the calibre of Lady Lynette, The Cleaner, Banca Mo, Genuine Lad, Kenjorwood and Valiant Warrior all being through the ring.

The Hobart leg of the Carnival, including the Betfair Exchange Hobart Cup on Monday 8 February, is hosted by the Tasmanian Racing Club, which was established in 1874. The first Hobart Cup was run in 1875 and was won by Ella. Last year Hobart’s major race was won by Tasmanian-based Geegees Blackflash. The horse attempted to repeat 2014’s double cup success with Epingle winning both the Launceston and Hobart Cups in the one year to pocket a $100,000 bonus from TattsBet.com.

The UBET.com $100,000 bonus for owners and trainers will again be on offer in 2016 and will continue to create significant interest in the Carnival.