MEDIA RELEASE

Tasmanian Racing Club welcomes the Liberals’ announcement of Stakes increase

The Chief Executive Officer of the Tasmanian Racing Club, Brendan Blomeley, today welcomed the announcement by the Minister for Racing, the Hon. Jane Howlett MLC, of the Liberals’ election promise to “increase stakes money across all three codes by 6 per cent in the 2021-22 financial year and at least 16 per cent in total over the next four years”.

“This is a welcomed announcement by the Government as stakes money drives the industry,” Mr Blomeley said.

“For the Tasmanian Thoroughbred Racing Industry to be competitive and hold our own with comparable thoroughbred racing in other jurisdictions, such as Country Racing Victoria and Racing South Australia, stakes money must be on an even footing,” said Mr Blomeley.

 “The Tasmanian Racing Industry is a significant employer with the economic multiplying effect positively contributing to our community,” Mr Blomeley said.

 “Whilst today’s announcement is warmly welcomed, to ensure continued success of the Tasmanian Thoroughbred Racing Industry, stakes money must be at the same level as that being offered in comparable jurisdictions,” Mr Blomeley concluded.

ENDS. 18.04.21

COMMENT:        Brendan Blomeley on 0408 354 684

MEDIA RELEASE

Elwick racetrack investigation warmly welcomed

The Chairman of the Tasmanian Racing Club, Mr Andrew Scanlon, today warmly welcomed the announcement by the Minister for Racing, the Hon. Jane Howlett, of an independent investigation into the causes behind the loss of important race meetings at Elwick and Mowbray.

“The TRC is delighted that the Minister has acted swiftly in organising an immediate, thorough and independent investigation into maintenance failings at the racetracks,” Mr Scanlon said.

“The Minister deserves to be congratulated for listening to the Industry and acting decisively,” said Mr Scanlon.

“The comprehensive Terms of Reference, tight reporting timeframe and appointment of the highly regarded Mr Dale Monteith to head the independent investigation is welcome news to the Industry. I am confident the findings will assist in ensuring the long-term viability of thoroughbred racing in our state,” Mr Scanlon said.

“The recent announcement of racetrack managers from Flemington and Moonee Valley coming down to lend their expert assistance is also welcomed news for the Industry,” Mr Scanlon concluded.

“I am optimistic the increased expertise and work on the Elwick track will ensure the three race meetings in late January and early February, including the Hobart Cup, will be highly successful and enjoyable events,” Mr Scanlon concluded.

ENDS. 04.01.21

COMMENT:        Andrew Scanlon on 0418 141 898

Election of Office Bearers

At the 146th Annual General Meeting of the Tasmanian Racing Club that was held on Monday evening, Mr Andrew Scanlon, Mr Cam Sorell and Mr Cam Jones were all re-elected to the Committee for a three-year term.

Your Committee met yesterday and I am delighted to inform you that the following Office Bearers of the Club were elected:

Chairman: Mr Andrew Scanlon

Vice-Chair: Ms Kim Boyer

Treasurer: Mr Tony Field

Following the recent resignation of Mr Martin Wallace from the Committee to take up a Director position on the Board of Tasracing, your Committee has appointed Mr Ross Thomas to serve in this position.

Your TRC Committee comprises:

Mr Andrew Scanlon, Chairman

Ms Kim Boyer, Vice-Chair

Mr Tony Field, Treasurer

Mr Ross Burridge

Ms Suzie Jacobson

Mr Cam Jones

Mr Peter Maczi

Mr Cam Sorell

Mr Ross Thomas

Racing Clubs Unite in Call for Stakes Increases

The three southern Tasmanian Racing Clubs, all based at Ladbrokes Park Elwick: Tasmanian Racing Club (TRC); Tasmanian Trotting Club (TTC) and the Hobart Greyhound Racing Club (HGRC), have jointly commissioned a Research Paper supporting the Industry’s call for an increase in stakes money.

Stakes money is the major driver of the racing industry. As a significant employment generator, any increase in stakes money has a corresponding ‘knock-on” effect to the wider Tasmanian economy.

The Club-commissioned research paper clearly demonstrates that over the past decade there has been an almost 100% increase in costs associated with the operations of Tasracing, from $11.6 million in 2010/11 to $22.5 million in 2018/19.

Over this same period, Code Allocation to industry has only increased by $4.5 million, from $22.3 million in 2010/11 to $26.8 million in 2018/19.

Report on Stakesmoney Available to the Tasmanian Racing Industry

Prepared by: Dr T E Clarke

Click Here To View The Report

Further Update*

Tasmanian racing industry response to Coronavirus (COVID-19)

All Tasmanian race meetings, barrier trials and trackwork (including access to licensed training stables) in Tasmania across all three codes will not be open to the public (including owners) effective immediately and until further notice.

While total attendance at many Tasmanian race meetings, barrier trials and trackwork is likely to be less than 500, Tasracing has determined that a blanket approach should be taken by Tasracing, the Office of Racing Integrity (ORI) and the host clubs.The Tasmanian racing industry has a responsibility to support the actions taken to minimise the impact of Coronavirus (COVID-19) in the wider community.

The decision was taken following a discussion with all Clubs across the three codes today.Attendance will only be provided to essential personnel, which on raceday is restricted to the following:- Tasmanian Office of Racing Integrity
- Stewards
- Veterinarians
- Trainers, Jockeys, drivers, stablehands
- Licensed greyhound participants with a runner at the race meeting
- Barrier attendants, starters and essential track staff
- Clerks of the course
- Judges and sectional timing teams
- Weighing room staff and jockeys attendants
- Raceday event staff and security including horse stalls, mounting yards and float car park
- Club Doctor and ambulance services
- Farriers and other essential service providers approved by Tasracing and host race clubs
- Broadcast services including race caller and limited media presenters
- Restricted racing media as approved by Tasracing and the race club
- Restricted operational race club staff and managementNo on-course wagering facilities will be available and essential personnel will be required to leave the racecourse after their horses or greyhounds have run.Access will not be permitted to any essential personnel that:- Are suffering from coronavirus symptoms or is otherwise unwell.
- Have been to a country considered at higher risk of COVID-19 in the past 14 days, currently mainland China, Iran, Italy and South Korea.
- Are subject to self-isolation requirements imposed by the Government.
- Have been in close contact with a person suspected or confirmed to have coronavirus.

Further, if any essential personnel are in a high-risk group such as older people or people with underlying illnesses that make them more vulnerable to respiratory disease, including those with diabetes, chronic lung disease, kidney failure and people with suppressed immune systems, that person should not attend race meetings, barrier trials or trackwork (including accessing licensed training stables).

Enhanced hygiene measures will also be implemented throughout Tasmanian racecourses.These restrictions will be reviewed on an ongoing basis in consultation with ORI, the Clubs and other Industry bodies.Tasracing will continue to keep all industry participants advised of any developments.

Tasmanian Racing Club / Tasracing

Schweppes Tasmanian Derby Day Joint Statement

The Schweppes Tasmanian Derby meeting scheduled for Friday 31 January has been postponed for 24 hours with the eight-event program to be held on Saturday due to forecast high temperatures and hot winds of up to 70kmh.

The decision to postpone the meeting was a joint one made by Tasracing, the Office of Racing Integrity and the Tasmanian Racing Club (TRC).

Tasracing CEO Paul Eriksson said the welfare of animals and industry participants was paramount when considering the options.

“We took into account a number of factors and impacts but ultimately the welfare concerns took precedence over other matters,” said Tasracing CEO Paul Eriksson.

“We have delivered the track on time, on budget and it is ready to race, but we have no control over the weather.”

The TRC has spent many months planning the launch of Elwick’s new $12.5 million StrathAyr track, with several function rooms booked for the occasion but club chairman Andrew Scanlon was fully supportive of the decision.

“I support the decision that animal and participant welfare comes first and the close to 40 - degree temperature forecast was definitely not conducive to staging a race meeting,” Mr Scanlon said.

“The meeting will go ahead on Saturday and everything we had in place for Friday should remain for Saturday, with the exception of the Carbine Club luncheon, which will not be affected by the change.”

Trainers and jockeys have been advised that the meeting has been rescheduled. The Australian Trainers Association and the Tasmanian Jockeys Association were consulted and were supportive of the decision.

Tasmanian Hall of Fame mentor Bill Ryan who prepares Still A Star, the odds-on favourite for the Tasmanian Derby, said: “It’s great that our administrators have put the horse’s welfare first and while it is probably going to be a bit costly for the race club to make the switch, it is in the best interest of all concerned.

“It would have been very taxing on my filly to make the trip by float in extreme heat from Longford to Hobart and then have to contend with 70 kmh hot winds and a temperature that is expected to reach close to 40.”

Victorian-based rider jockey Anthony Darmanin, who is Mystic Journey’s regular rider, has a full book of eight rides at the meeting and he too has praised the decision to reschedule.

“I agree with the decision 100 per cent because we have to consider the horse’s welfare and that of the industry participants before anything else and having the meeting Saturday could work out to be a plus in terms of turnover,” Darmanin said.

The first race Saturday is scheduled to start at 12.20pm with the last of eight at 4.35pm.

To celebrate the grand re-opening of the Elwick racetrack and to recognise change of date, TRC CEO Brendan Blomeley said entry on the day would be free.

“The Schweppes Tasmanian Derby stands alongside the Ladbrokes Hobart Cup as one of Tasmania’s premier race days and this year, with the opening of the $12.5m re-developed racetrack, we extend an invitation to all Tasmanians to visit and enjoy quality thoroughbred racing,” Mr Blomeley said.