Tasmania will soon become the latest Australian State to conduct night thoroughbred racing when the new lights at The TOTE Racing Centre in Launceston are switched on for the first time.
Day testing of the new thoroughbred track lights is planned for mid-March 2010, with a night test planned for 18 March 2010.
Expressions of interest will be called for from trainers wishing to participate in grass gallops on that night.
Official night barrier trials are scheduled for 30 March 2010. Further trials will be conducted on 8 April 2010 as part of a full dress rehearsal, covering all operational aspects of a thoroughbred race meeting.
This season the Tasmanian Turf Club will conduct four meetings on a Thursday night. The dates are 15 April for the 'Official Opening Night', followed by 29 April, 20 May and 3 June.
The opening meeting will feature the 'Race for the Stars', a $25,000 Open Handicap over 1,200 Metres and will also mark the start of the Tasmanian Autumn Racing Carnival. The Carnival will culminate with the 20 May night meeting that will include the $50,000 Sires Produce Stakes, the $30,000 St Leger, $25,000 features for 3YOs and Fillies and Mares, as well as an Apprentice Invitation Race.
For the first four night meetings this season, all non-feature races will carry an incentive of an additional $1,500 in stakes to cover payments of $250 for horses placed fifth to 10th. In addition, all non-maiden races run at night will be staked at Showcase level from April to June 2010.
While exact race times are yet to be confirmed with Sky Channel, it is anticipated that eight race cards will run from approximately 6.30 pm to 10 pm, while nine race cards may extend to 10.30 pm with 30 minute gaps between races.
For all queries contact Rex Colless on 6212 9303.
