Wagering turnover on Tasmanian racing in 2013/14 grew by $41.9 million to $445.6 million (2012/13: $403.7 million).
Tasracing chief executive Eliot Forbes said this 10.4 per cent growth was an impressive result, made all the more so as it followed growth of 7.7 per cent and 8.4 per cent in the two previous financial years respectively.
“Wagering turnover has grown by $100 million, or nearly 29 per cent, over the past three financial years (2010/11: $345.6 million),” he said.
“This is an outstanding result for Tasracing and the Tasmanian racing industry and is directly aligned with commercial decisions taken by Tasracing.”
Dr Forbes said Tasracing’s enhanced customer focus was a key factor.
“The overall quality and consistency of product, Tasracing’s focus on digital distribution of information and building strong relationships with wagering providers were all key elements linked to the significant increase in turnover,” he said.
“The performance of our assets, which enables us to deliver a reliable racing product, is a credit to the Tasracing team of people that manages them.
“The investment in the all-weather thoroughbred surface at Tapeta Park has played an obvious role in providing a dependable training surface for local trainers and surety to the thoroughbred calendar given we can relocate thoroughbred meetings to Spreyton from both Hobart and Launceston if required.”
Turnover on the thoroughbred code grew by six per cent to $191.1 million, harness by 11.5 per cent to $78.7 million and greyhounds by 15 per cent to $175.8 million.
Dr Forbes said the increasing popularity of night racing was a factor in turnover growth with average turnover on each night thoroughbred meeting at The TOTE Racing Centre in 2013/14 increasing by 19 per cent.
“It also provided a platform to increase the profile of Tasmanian racing internationally,” he said.
“In addition, the harness result was particularly impressive given the early part of the year was impacted by wet weather. Pleasingly, the harness code rebounded strongly to record a very positive second half of the year.
“The growth achieved by the greyhound code was also excellent. Greyhound racing is enjoying continued popularity around Australia. This popularity has been well supported by Tasracing via a strong social media presence.”
