Sunday Date For Hobart Cup

Thursday, 10 June 2010 04:23

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.