A Career With Decorum

{SCPinterestShare href=https://www.virtualformguide.com/racing-news/tasmania/45704-a-career-with-decorum.html layout=standard image=http://www.virtualformguide.com/photos/280810/r2withdecorum_300px.jpg desc=Connections of With Decorum, one of Tasmania's most consistent mares, will be looking for a fairytale finish to the seven-year-old's... size=small}

With DecorumConnections of With Decorum, one of Tasmania's most consistent mares, will be looking for a fairytale finish to the seven-year-old's career in the $70,000 Programmed Property Services Handicap (1600m) at Moonee Valley tonight.

On a night that will see the launch of Moonee Valley's Night Racing season and the running of the $500,000 Group One Manikato Stakes, With Decorum will run for the 45th time in an attempt to win her 12th race.

Trainer John Blacker is expecting his charge to be very hard to beat and is confident that everything is in place for her to finish on a high note.

"She is racing well and although she has a big weight tonight I expect her to be very hard to beat," said Blacker.

"Craig (Newitt) won a Devonport Cup on her in 2009 and knows her well, so although it would've been nice to claim a bit of weight off her back I am happy to have Craig in the saddle.

Blacker believes that despite the mare's outstanding record up to 1400m, which accounts for eight of her 11 wins, the 1600m trip is her ideal distance given a true tempo.

"I have always seen her as a miler," said Blacker.

"Many horses from Tasmania improve when they come to Victoria because of the truly run races as it allows them to travel more comfortably and work into a race.

"Many of her Tasmanian runs over ground have been stop start affairs which have brought her undone," he added.

Blacker is also firmly of the opinion that Tasmania's open-class horses can hold their own in Victoria, citing With Decorum's preparation to date.

John Blacker"This mare was comfortably beaten at her first two runs in Tasmania this preparation before narrowly going down to Milochello.  Since coming to Victoria she may have dropped marginally in weight, but she has been able to win at Saturday Metropolitan class and finished thereabouts at Group Two level," said Blacker.

"Which takes me back to my previous point regarding truly run races, that is the only thing missing at Tasmania's elite level."

Although no decision has been made Blacker is expecting connections to retire the mare to Coolmore Stud following tonight's race.

"It could be her last run tonight, in fact I expect it will be," said Blacker.

"We are hoping for the fairytale finish and looking at how the race will pan out I think we will be in the right spot."

With Decorum has won in every racing season and during every preparation since beginning her career in 2007, a statistic that is testament to a terrific training effort by Blacker and his Longford team.

Photos by Quentin J Lang

Weight Increase To Aid Jockeys' Plight

{SCPinterestShare href=https://www.virtualformguide.com/racing-news/tasmania/45597-weight-increase-to-aid-jockeys-plight.html layout=standard image=https://www.virtualformguide.com/images/stories/tasmania.gif desc=The minimum riding weight for jockeys in Tasmania has been increased to 54 kilograms as part of a national trend... size=small}

The minimum riding weight for jockeys in Tasmania has been increased to 54 kilograms as part of a national trend that is aimed at lowering the impact on riders who struggle to make the present minimum of 53kg.

Many jockeys risk injury and long term health issues due to the wasting required to compete under the current scale.

While jockeys' health is the prime consideration for the increase, the move will also provide additional benefits to the industry.

The increase has the potential to increase the longevity of a rider's career and give owners and trainers more options at the lower end of the weight scale.

Tasracing, the industry's governing body, has approved the increase for handicap races in Tasmania after consultation with all sectors of the industry and it will be effective as of 1 October 2010.

It is hoped that the move will also assist in easing the jockey shortage in Tasmania and it also is expected to attract new riders to the state.

There will also be benefits for wagering as many riders should be able to make the published weight.

In the 2009/10 season, jockeys were unable to make the published weight 349 times, sometimes claiming up to 1.5kg overweight, while apprentices were often unable to take their full claim on 402 occasions.

Creating a framework that gives riders every opportunity to make the set weight will improve the consistency of the Tasracing product and therefore increase its appeal to interstate and international markets.

Associated with the increase in the minimum weight is a 1kg increase in the minimum top-weight at the declaration of weights to 59kg.

This maintains the 5kg weight spread, which will preserve the competitiveness of handicap races and help drive turnover by ensuring each race contains as many winning chances as possible.

Victoria has applied the 59kg minimum top-weight for all races since 1 August 2009, albeit off a 53kg minimum.  Racing NSW will also implement a 59kg minimum top-weight (54kg minimum weight) for country racing effective 1 November 2010.

In Tasmania, the 58kg minimum top-weight will be retained for two year old handicaps.

Approximately 40% of Tasmanian races are set weights events and will not be impacted by the weight adjustment; however, in the early part of the season, 3YO fillies may be weighted at under 54kg in open maiden races.

The Hobart and Launceston Cups will retain the 53kg minimum weight as they are handicapped in accordance with Victorian metropolitan open handicap guidelines.

Other feature handicap races also may be included in this category at the discretion of Tasracing in consultation with Racing Victoria handicappers.

Sunday Date For Hobart Cup

{SCPinterestShare href=https://www.virtualformguide.com/racing-news/tasmania/43903-sunday-date-for-hobart-cup.html layout=standard image=https://www.virtualformguide.com/images/stories/tasmania.gif desc=From next year Tasmania’s premier thoroughbred race, the Group Three Hobart Cup (2400m) will be held on a Sunday afternoon.... size=small}

From next year Tasmania’s premier thoroughbred race, the Group Three Hobart Cup (2400m) will be held on a Sunday afternoon.

Tasmanian Racing Club chief executive officer Mike Wisby said there were a couple of factors behind the decision.

"One of the prime reasons for wanting to change to a Sunday is consistency in that this club races on a Sunday and people have become used to Sunday racing in Hobart so it makes sense that we would want to fall into line with that mindset," Wisby said told The Mercury.

"The other reason is that the Hobart Regatta public holiday on the Monday is limited to the South of the state.

"Having the Cup on the Sunday will give those who live in other regions of the state the opportunity to attend the meeting without the disadvantage of having to take a day off their annual leave or use a flex day.

“Hobart is too small for too many events at the one time and I'm sure the Regatta and events that are on during the long weekend, such as the Wooden Boat Festival, will benefit greatly from our decision to change the Cup to a Sunday," Wisby added.

Next year’s Hobart Cup will be on February 13 with the Tasmanian Derby on February 5.

Meanwhile, Launceston will continue to support a night racing model with every feature meeting other than the Launceston Cup on a Thursday night.

Improvements To Devonport Racing

{SCPinterestShare href=https://www.virtualformguide.com/racing-news/tasmania/45539-improvements-to-devonport-racing.html layout=standard image=https://www.virtualformguide.com/images/stories/tasmania.gif desc=Devonport racecourse is set to undergo a major facelift with the installation of a new all-weather track as well as... size=small}

Devonport racecourse is set to undergo a major facelift with the installation of a new all-weather track as well as improved stabling facilities.

The Tasmanian Minister For Racing, Bryan Green, announced a $40 million package for capital works at the Spreyton venue and also the Devonport Showgrounds for harness and greyhound racing.

“The projects are a significant investment in the future of racing in the region,” Mr Green said.

“This will further assist the development of all three codes on the North-West Coast.

“A track designer is expected to be selected soon to help with the preparation of tender documents,” he added.

A decision on what type of all-weather track will be laid at Devonport will be made by TasRacing in the coming months.

The Devonport Racing Club will host their next meeting this Sunday.

Socks Highlights Armidale Big Double

{SCPinterestShare href=https://www.virtualformguide.com/racing-news/tasmania/43558-socks-highlights-armidale-big-double.html layout=standard image=https://www.virtualformguide.com/images/stories/tasmania.gif desc=Quality Tasmanian juvenile Socks sent his earnings soaring past $100,000 when he comprehensively beat his rivals in the Tasmanian Sires'... size=small}

Quality Tasmanian juvenile Socks sent his earnings soaring past $100,000 when he comprehensively beat his rivals in the Tasmanian Sires' Produce Stakes (1400m) at Launceston tonight.

Despite covering extra ground throughout, Socks found plenty in the straight to hold out Magnetosphere and Clan Mcleod after skipping to the lead in the straight.

The George Blacker trained youngster, who was ridden to victory by Kelvin Sanderson, is yet to taste defeat in four starts.

"He's one of the best two-year-olds I've had," Blacker said. "I've liked the horse from day one and always had a good opinion of him."

Blacker said Socks would now head for a spell and he could be set for the Tasmanian Derby.

The exciting youngster, who cost just $15,000 from last year's Magic Millions Tasmanian Yearling Sale at Launceston, is raced by Charlie and Wendy Langmaid.

Socks, by exciting young Swettenham Stud sire Keep the Faith, is yet another top quality galloper bred and sold by Armidale Stud.

The gelding is one of three winners produced by the stakes performed Mukaddamah mare Count the Kisses.

A winner of 1100 metres and a runner-up in the listed Cinderella Stakes, Count the Kisses is a half sister to the Blue Diamond Preview winner Ashkaleta.

Meanwhile, Armidale Stud graduates completed a big race double when talented four-year-old Stadacona thumped his rivals in the Tasmanian St Leger.

The John Blacker trained gelding romped home in the 2100 metre contest winning by five and a half lengths under star apprentice Jason Maskiell.

Stadacona cost connections just $12,000 at the 2007 Magic Millions Tasmanian Yearling Sale and is yet another successful graduate of Armidale Stud.

By Mr. Prospector's sire son Telesto, Stadacona is a half brother to the Melbourne Cup Day stakes winner Oh Blue Angel.

Their dam Blue Recall, a winner of two races in Tasmania is a three quarter sister to the stakes performers Alcidon and Beethoven's Lady.

Blue Recall has done a tremendous job at stud with her nine foals produced all making it to the track - seven are winners.

As well as Oh Blue Angel and Stadacona, she is the dam of the smart five time winner Ithaca Canyon.

The Whishaw family's Armidale Stud, who bred and sold both Socks and Stadacona, has for many years been one of the leading thoroughbred nurseries in Tasmania.

Each year the property presents an outstanding draft of youngsters in the Magic Millions Tasmanian Yearling Sale.

Devonport Meeting Postponed

{SCPinterestShare href=https://www.virtualformguide.com/racing-news/tasmania/45431-devonport-meeting-postponed.html layout=standard image=https://www.virtualformguide.com/images/stories/tasmania.gif desc=Victoria isn’t the only state currently affected by heavy rainfall. This Sunday’s meeting scheduled for Devonport has been postponed due... size=small}

Victoria isn’t the only state currently affected by heavy rainfall.

This Sunday’s meeting scheduled for Devonport has been postponed due to the state of the track.

The meeting has been rescheduled for the following Sunday, on September 19.

Meanwhile, last Sunday’s postponed meeting at Hobart will be held tomorrow with the $15,500 Clarence Cup (1400m) the main race on the card.

Ganderton Fined $2000 For Misconduct

{SCPinterestShare href=https://www.virtualformguide.com/racing-news/tasmania/42985-ganderton-fined-2000-for-misconduct.html layout=standard image=http://www.virtualformguide.com/photos/jockeys/danielganderton.jpg desc=NSW-based apprentice Daniel Ganderton has been fined $2000 by Tasmanian stewards for misconduct.After considering evidence presented by Ganderton, his master... size=small}

Daniel GandertonNSW-based apprentice Daniel Ganderton has been fined $2000 by Tasmanian stewards for misconduct.

After considering evidence presented by Ganderton, his master Paul Messara and a statement from Tasmania's director of racing, Tony Murray, stewards charged Ganderton with improper and insulting behaviour towards an official.

Stewards found that on March 3 Ganderton used abusive language on several occasions during a telephone conversation with Murray.

The former star Tasmanian apprentice pleaded guilty to the charge.

In arriving at the penalty on Thursday, stewards took into account the level of the abuse, Ganderton's poor record in relation to misconduct matters and to whom the abuse was directed.

Ganderton was apprenticed to Tasmanian trainer Leon Wells before being snapped up by leading Sydney trainer Gai Waterhouse for whom he rode many winners before transferring to Messara.

Picture: Sportpix

Tasmanian Cups Prizemoney Reduced

{SCPinterestShare href=https://www.virtualformguide.com/racing-news/tasmania/44946-tasmanian-cups-prizemoney-reduced.html layout=standard image=http://www.virtualformguide.com/photos/240210/larrysneverlate.jpg desc=Some of Tasmania's feature races will carry a reduced purse this season after TasRacing announced changes to prizemoney levels across... size=small}

Larry's Never LateSome of Tasmania's feature races will carry a reduced purse this season after TasRacing announced changes to prizemoney levels across the state.

The Group 3 Hobart Cup has been slashed by $100,000 with the race now worth $300,000.

The Launceston Cup and Devonport Cup have also been reduced while the Tasmanian Derby is worth $50,000 less this season.

In contrast, minimum prizemoney levels have risen from $10,000 to $12,000 while minimum prizemoney held at night meetings will be $12,500.

The Bow Mistress Stakes for fillies and mares has received a significant boost while eight other listed races over the Tasmanian Summer Carnival rise by $10,000 to $90,000.

Below is a list outlining some of the prizemoney changes in Tasmania for this season.

  • Hobart Cup $300,000 (was $400,000)
  • Launceston Cup $225,000 (was $300,000)
  • Tasmanian Derby $150,000 (was $200,000)
  • Bow Mistress F&M Stakes $150,000 (was $100,000)
  • Devonport Cup $100,000 (was $120,000)

Picture: Greg Irvine

Launceston Practise Night Meeting

{SCPinterestShare href=https://www.virtualformguide.com/racing-news/tasmania/42681-launceston-practise-night-meeting.html layout=standard image=https://www.virtualformguide.com/images/stories/tasmania.gif desc=The Tasmanian racing industry will have a practice night at Launceston on Thursday ahead of the state's first race meeting... size=small}

The Tasmanian racing industry will have a practice night at Launceston on Thursday ahead of the state's first race meeting under lights next week.

The recently-installed lights will be put to a full test to ensure everything is working properly ahead of next Thursday's inaugural night meeting.

Tasmanian Racing believes night racing forms an integral part of the industry going forward with the recently expanded coverage of Sky Racing.

Three further meetings will be held under lights at Launceston on April 29, May 20 and June 3 before a winter break.

Launceston Meetings Moved To Sunday

{SCPinterestShare href=https://www.virtualformguide.com/racing-news/tasmania/44350-launceston-meetings-moved-to-sunday.html layout=standard image=https://www.virtualformguide.com/images/stories/tasmania.gif desc=Three Launceston meetings scheduled for Thursday in July and August have been moved to Sunday. The Tasmanian Turf Club announced... size=small}

Three Launceston meetings scheduled for Thursday in July and August have been moved to Sunday.

The Tasmanian Turf Club announced the meeting amendments earlier today.

Below are the relevant date changes:

  • Meeting on Thursday, July 29 now scheduled for Sunday, August 1.
  • Meeting on Thursday, August 12 now scheduled for Sunday, August 15
  • Meeting on Thursday, August 26 now scheduled for Sunday, August 29

Tasmania To Join Night Racing Circuit

{SCPinterestShare href=https://www.virtualformguide.com/racing-news/tasmania/41835-tasmania-to-join-night-racing-circuit.html layout=standard image=https://www.virtualformguide.com/images/stories/tasmania.gif desc=All things going well, Tasmania will host their first thoroughbred meeting under lights next month. Lights have been installed at... size=small}

All things going well, Tasmania will host their first thoroughbred meeting under lights next month.

Lights have been installed at Launceston recently and with that project completed, official night barrier trials are scheduled for March 30 while a full practise meeting is set down for April 8.

The first official TAB meeting will be held on April 15 and all future night meetings will be held on a Thursday night.

In a statement on the TAS Racing website, CEO Gary Lottering said night racing at Launceston should be embraced by the Tasmanian racing fraternity.

"Change is often not easy to accept," Lottering said before adding "But the potential for night time thoroughbred racing is not something the Tasmanian industry can ignore."

Three other meetings will be held under lights at Launceston on April 29, May 20 and June 3 before the night racing season goes into winter recess until September.

The switch to night racing will offer Tasmanian racing invaluable coverage on pay-TV racing network Sky Racing as they expand their coverage from March 30 with an additional racing channel.

With a limited horse population, the introduction of Thursday night meetings means Sunday afternoon meetings from Tasmania will not be a permanent fixture as it was previously.

Tasmanian Racing Calendar (March – May)

Tue 9 March 2010

TATTERSALL'S PARK (Derwent)

Sun 14 March 2010

TATTERSALL'S PARK (Derwent)

Sun 21 March 2010

TATTERSALL'S PARK (Elwick)

Mon 22 March 2010

SPREYTON PARK

Sun 28 March 2010

TOTE RACING CENTRE (Launceston)

APRIL

Sun 4 April 2010

SPREYTON PARK

Mon 5 April 2010

SPREYTON PARK

Sun 11 April 2010

TATTERSALL'S PARK (Elwick)

Thu 15 April 2010 - NIGHT

TOTE RACING CENTRE (Launceston)

Mon 19 April 2010

SPREYTON PARK

Sun 25 April 2010

TATTERSALL'S PARK (Elwick)

Thu 29 Apr 2010 - NIGHT

TOTE RACING CENTRE (Launceston)

MAY

Mon 3 May 2010

TATTERSALL'S PARK (Derwent)

Sun 9 May 2010

TATTERSALL'S PARK (Elwick)

Sun 16 May 2010

SPREYTON PARK

Thu 20 May 2010 - NIGHT

TOTE RACING CENTRE (Launceston)

Sun 30 May 2010

TATTERSALL'S PARK (Elwick)