This year’s Launceston Cup ran on a “winning formula” according to Tas Turf Club CEO Peter Scott, who defended the event’s public holiday and later start times.
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In a major break from tradition this year’s 10-event meeting didn’t start until after 1pm, with the Launceston Cup not running until 6.15pm – two hours later than the year before.
While many municipal areas in the state’s North enjoyed an all day public holiday, for many around central Launceston it didn’t begin until 11am.
However, Mr Scott said Wednesday’s event was proof the race had become a “state staple” that was continuing to grow in popularity.
“It is one of those things where I think you either have to keep trying to evolve, or you stand still and end up going backwards,” he said.
“The current format has worked for us for many years and the Launceston Cup is a very popular event.
“The reality is we have a winning formula at the moment and I think it would be a real shame to mess with that.”
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More than 16,000 people attended Wednesday’s event at Mowbray Racetrack.
On Thursday attention turned to the clean up and fortunately for organisers, the weather remained on their side.
“If there is anything worse then setting up in the rain, it’s packing up in the rain,” Mr Scott said.
“There is a huge team here working down the line, including about 250 Turf Club workers.”
Mr Scott said plans were already underway for next year’s event, traditionally held on the third Wednesday of February.
Jessica Willard
Being a health reporter to me is about more than just reporting the problems. It's about asking why they are happening in the first place and what needs to change to fix it.
Being a health reporter to me is about more than just reporting the problems. It's about asking why they are happening in the first place and what needs to change to fix it.
