Media release from Jeremy Rockliff, Minister for Racing 8 January 2016

Friday 8 January 2016

Betfair Exchange Summer Carnival

Tasmanian horses will feature in the 2016 Betfair Exchange Tasmanian Summer Carnival which officially launched in Hobart today.

Last year, Tasmanian horses took a near clean sweep of the prize money, claiming more than 80 per cent of the carnival’s stakes.

This year it’s again anticipated that Tasmanian thoroughbreds will be a good bet, but they’ll have plenty of national challengers to contend with too.

It’s a great chance for Tasmanians to get trackside and check out the depth of our home-grown talent in our horses and trainers alike.

Nearly $2.9 million in prizemoney will be on offer this year across the seven-week carnival.

The carnival will start with the $100,000 Tasmanian Guineas on January 8 and conclude on February 24 with the $200,000 Betfair Exchange Launceston Cup.

Race-goers are tipped to spend just over $10 million on the races, with about 35 per cent going to retail, fashion and accommodation, highlighting the flow-on benefits of events like this.

This year’s $200,000 Betfair Exchange Hobart Cup will be on February 8, the Elwick Stakes, Strutt Stakes and Thomas Lyons, each worth $100,000, will also be run on Hobart Cup Day.

The George Adams Plate and the Gold Sovereign Stakes, both worth $100,000 will be run on the same day as the Launceston Cup.

UBET is again offering a $100,000 bonus for the owner and trainer of any horse that can win both the Betfair Exchange Hobart and Launceston Cups in the one year. The unique double bonus not only adds to the excitement of the carnival, but assists in drawing high-profile interstate trainers.

Contact: Danielle McKay

Phone: 0438 390 273