A change of start time for this year’s Launceston Cup which will turn Northern Tasmania’s biggest raceday into a test of stamina – for patrons not the horses – has led to a social media outcry.
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In a major departure from tradition, the 10-event meeting is not scheduled to start until 1.17pm, with the last race at 6.54pm.
The Launceston Cup is listed for 6.14pm – two hours later than last year.
Tasracing made the decision in a bid to maximise exposure on the Sky Channel network, thereby increasing betting turnover and returns to the industry.
Although the public reaction on social media has been mainly negative, Tasracing chief executive Vaughn Lynch said he believed the move was a huge positive.
“We work hard to make things better – contrary to what some people seem to think, there is no deliberate plan to stuff things up,” Lynch said.
“Sky couldn’t give us coverage in any other timeslot – they would have just shown the race with no lead-in and that’s it.
“Now we’ve get 14 minutes clear airtime on Sky Thoroughbred Central and good coverage on Sky 1.”
Those opposed to the change have expressed concerns about a possible increase in alcohol consumption by patrons, the inconvenience to racegoers who need to pick up and/or prepare evening meals for their children and the long day for those traveling from the North West and South.
Fears have been expressed that the top mainland jockeys – whose presence also boosts betting turnover – won’t come because they they won’t be able to catch the last flight out of Launceston on Wednesday night.
The late start time for the Cup means the race will most likely miss exposure in the evening news bulletins on the two local free-to-air channels.
Tasmanian Jockeys Association general manager Kevin Ring is opposed to the change.
“I have an issue with the long day for patrons, the possibility of more drunks at the track and the difficulties for those with work the next day,” Ring said.
“It’s also no good for families with young kids.”
Tasmanian Turf Club chief executive Peter Scott said the club was caught unawares by the move to run the Launceston Cup in a later timeslot.
“It was a late change that we didn’t foresee but we are working through the issues,” Scott said.
“We are aware of concerns over alcohol consumption and all public bars will be shut immediately after the last race.
Scott said that the club couldn’t shorten the hours that alcohol would be available because opening times were locked in.
“People have been booked in for months,” he said.
“We have organized entertainment after the last race to keep some patrons at the track a little longer in a bid to soften the crush that can happen if everyone is trying to leave the course at the same time.
“I don’t think the later start will have a negative impact on our overall attendance – most patrons are locked into car spots and marquees or are club members and those numbers are all up.
“Hopefully general attendance will follow suit.”
TTC chairman Brian Walker said he hoped the change would be viewed positively by most people.
“I have already been told by numerous people I know that they will now be able to come to the Cup after they finish work,” he said.