The Ladbrokes Tasmanian Summer of Racing has officially launched today (2 December), bolstered by news that major sponsor Ladbrokes Australia has committed to a four-year contract extension.
The carnival started last week with the Ladbrokes Devonport Greyhound Chase at the North West Greyhound Racing Club, with local winner Superior Wallace beating a strong field of local and interstate contenders.
Prominent among these race days will be the Ladbrokes Devonport, Hobart and Launceston Thoroughbred Cup Days, plus the summer’s richest days on the harness and greyhound calendars, including the Ladbrokes Hobart Thousand Greyhound event – Tasmania’s only Group 1 race meeting.
Racing across all three codes is growing in popularity across Tasmania thanks to the unique combination of excitement, entertainment and community involvement.
This summer marks the second year for all three codes to be combined into a statewide racing carnival – with a customer rewards program and carnival tipping competition giving racegoers the chance to enjoy the whole summer racing calendar.
A recent independent economic report into the industry found racing returns $185 million to the Tasmanian economy every year, with almost 6,000 Tasmanians employed or engaged in the industry.
Tasracing CEO Paul Eriksson said much of this positive economic benefit was delivered in regional areas.
“Sixty three per cent of those engaged in the industry live in regional Tasmania,” he said.
“The significance of racing for our communities cannot be underestimated.
“Generations of families, businesses and communities revolve around racing. Racing is a glue that binds many small towns and regions together.
“And the positive impact goes further than the direct economic contribution – more than 40 community organisations or charities are assisted by Tasmania’s racing clubs.”
One of the world’s largest entertainment companies Entain, through Ladbrokes Australia, also realises the significance of the industry in Tasmania, and its future growth potential.
Ladbrokes Australia Executive Director Corporate Development Karl deKroo said he and the company were incredibly proud and excited to reinforce its commitment to the Tasmanian racing industry with a four-year contract extension.
“This summer is our third year of backing Tasmanian racing, and it is a partnership that has continued to flourish,” Mr deKroo said.
“It is our only partnership that allows us to support all three codes and we have relished the opportunity to contribute to the success of all Tasmania’s racing clubs, participants and the wider industry through our naming rights sponsorship of Tasmania’s race tracks, and the Summer of Racing.
“We are thrilled to announce that we will extend that partnership for a further four years, with even more investment to be channeled directly to the clubs, which we know will help the industry to keep growing.
“We support racing in a lot of states across Australia and the world and I can say there aren’t too many places where racing is so genuinely entwined with local communities as it is in Tasmania.
“There’s a very proud tradition of racing in the island state going back over 130 years – and that shows through the passion and commitment of participants.”
Ladbrokes is also pleased to again support the $100,000 Ladbrokes Double Cups Bonus for any thoroughbred trainer who can win both the Ladbrokes Hobart and Ladbrokes Launceston Cups with the same horse in 2022.
“This will be our third year of offering the bonus and believe it has both enhanced the quality of the fields and interest in the Cups,” Mr deKroo said.
The Ladbrokes Tasmanian Summer of Racing is on now until 28 February 2022.
Full information including ticketing can be found at summerofracing.com.au