From the CEO's Desk

THE global expansion of Tasmanian thoroughbred racing continues with a major portion of the Tasmanian Turf Club’s Wednesday night meetings from The TOTE Racing Centre now being broadcast live to France.

France will join New Zealand who have been wagering on Tasmania’s midweek night meetings since late November.

Last Wednesday night’s Vamos Stakes and Magic Millions series that filled the back half of the nine race program were beamed into France and from all reports the product was well received.

The finish to the Vamos Stakes that saw Tasmania’s queen of the turf Lady Lynette emerge triumphant over her stablemate Buzzing Along and with our rising star Rebel Bride a close-up third was a great spectacle.

Tasracing has been tasked to develop new markets for Tasmanian racing and although there are complexities and risks in accessing international markets, this latest addition is pleasing.

France, through its wagering operator PMU, will wager on all night meetings from Launceston until the end of March 2012.

The first half of the AAMI Tasmanian Summer Racing Carnival can be hailed a huge success on the local front, with many our home grown horses starring in many feature races and none more so than AAMI Hobart Cup winner Geegees Blackflash.

Lady Lynette and Rebel Bride also have shone with their victories helping to raise the profile of 2012 Tasmanian Magic Millions Yearling Sale as they are both graduates of the sale.

While this year’s Tasmanian Derby winner Methuselah is owned and trained interstate the gelding was a graduate of the 2010 Tasmanian Magic Millions Yearling Sale as was the Carbine Club Stakes winner Kid Kobe that is owned in part by Tasmanians.

Gary Lottering

CEO - TASRACING

20 February 2012