ATA Tasmanian Branch President Walter McShane had the distinction of being the first winning trainer under lights in Tasmania after his success with Matsangel in the 3YO Maiden run at Launceston on Thursday night 15 April 2010.
Interestingly not only did the Broadmarsh-based McShane breed Matsangel but he is also a part-owner, giving him more reasons to celebrate this historic victory in front of a crowd of more than 2500.
Champion Victorian jockey Darren Gauci who steered Matsangel to win immediately stamped his seal of approval on the new $6 million lighting system, labelling it every bit as good as the one at Victoria's only night racing venue, Moonee Valley. Gauci notched up a unique double when he book ended the meeting after piloting the Brendan McShane trained Secdolrue to win the last event.
Tasmanian Turf Club chairman Neil Herbert described Tasmania’s inaugural race meeting under lights as the start of a prosperous a new era.
"We will be taking our product to a new global market and I believe this will be the catalyst for a resurgence in the Tasmanian racing industry," he said.
