Launceston Cup
When is the Launceston Cup 2023?
The Launceston Cup 2023 will be held on 22 February.
The race is always held on the last Wednesday in February, which falls on the 22nd this year.
Launceston Cup 2023, 2024, 2025, 2026
| Year | Date | Holiday | State |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 22 Feb | Launceston Cup | TAS |
| 2024 | 28 Feb | Launceston Cup | TAS |
| 2025 | 26 Feb | Launceston Cup | TAS |
| 2026 | 25 Feb | Launceston Cup | TAS |
Launceston Cup FAQ
Is the Launceston Cup a public holiday?
Yes, but only for some areas around Launceston. And some areas have a full-day public holiday, while other areas only have a public holiday after 11am.
Launceston Cup Day
History of Launceston Cup
The Launceston Cup started nearly 160 years ago and is one of Tasmania’s signature races. It is held at the Mowbray Racecourse in Launceston, and has become an important part of the region’s culture.
The Launceston Cup was first run in 1865 and was won by a horse named Panic. Since then, it has grown in popularity over the years, with the audience growing bigger and bigger.
It is now one of Tasmania’s most popular events, and attracts thousands of spectators every year.
Event Details
On Launceston Cup Day, it’s easy to feel part of the community. These events are great opportunities to network and have a great time.
While the tickets for the event do cost money, there are plenty of discounts available for everyone, including pre-purchased tickets and special deals for seniors and kids.
The Launceston Cup has free shuttles that take people to all the different corners of the track, so there’s no need to worry about navigating on your own.
And because of these free shuttles, if you’re driving in town you’ll be able to find plenty of parking options right in the heart of the action!
The Launceston Cup is also exciting because of the rewards that are given to those who win.
The prize money for the Launceston Cup has increased over time, and today it offers over $200,000 to the winning horse and its owner.
This is one of the largest prizes of any race in Tasmania, along with the prize offered by the Hobart Cup and the Tasmanian Derby, Tasmania’s other top horse races.
When it comes to horse racing, Tasmania has a strong history and the Launceston Cup plays an important part.
Tasmania Racing History
Tasmania has had a lot of racing successes of the years, with many of the winners showing their strength in the Launceston Cup.
Geoff Prouse
In 1972, Geoff Prouse became the only jockey to ride a seven-race card at an Australia metropolitan meeting.
Max Baker
From 1970-84 Max Baker won every major Tasmanian race except the Hobart cup, and at Elwick in 1981, on Anzac Day, he rode every winner on a five-event programme.
In his total career he won 1124 races around Australia.
Beverley Buckingham
Beverley Buckingham was the first and only woman to win the senior jockey’s premiership and she rode 900 winners including three Hobart Cups and a Launceston Cup.
Racers from Tasmania have proved their strength and the prestige of the Launceston Cup, and there’s sure to be many more great moments to come!
How to Celebrate Launceston Cup Day 2023
Attend the race
Attend the Launceston Racecourse main event to enjoy live music and delicious food and drinks.
For those who want to know more about horse racing, you’ll be in very good company. Horse racing is a social event in Tasmania with a very deep culture going back over 200 years.
In fact, the entire country of Australia has more racecourses than any other country in the world, to horseracing is essentially a national pastime
People in the horse racing industry, including horse owners, jockeys and trainers, attend the Launceston Cup for the passion of racing and to sink themselves in the thrill of the professional sport.
Many people bet on their favourite horse in hope of taking home some lucky winnings and guests can indulge in gourmet food and drinks near the tracks.
The race will also be televised, so anyone who wants to tune into the action from the comfort of their home can definitely do so!
Host a Launceston Cup party
If you’re looking for a day full of fun and family-friendly activities, hosting a Launceston Cup party is the perfect solution!
You can invite your friends over to enjoy food and drinks while watching the race on big screen TV and maybe organise some fun activities like betting on the horses or playing ‘pin the tail on the horse’.
You can also serve up some delicious food, such as mini pies, sandwiches, and cookies shaped like horses. For drinks, serve up sparkling wines, cocktails, and mocktails.
Decorate the room with streamers and balloons in the colours of the race, and maybe even get some horseshoe-shaped confetti for the tables.
Finally, make sure to play some music that will get everyone in the spirit of the day. Put on some music that will get people grooving and have a great time!
See the new outfits
Racing enthusiasts on the distaff side turn out in their elegant floral finery at the Launceston Racecourse on day of the Launceston Cup.
A wide-brimmed hat, fascinator, or an elaborate feathered creation may take centre stage at the races.
There are even fashion shows held at the races, where contestants can win prizes for their fashionable outfits!
No matter what it is you’re interested in, there’s plenty of opportunities on Launceston Cup Day to have fun!
If you have any ideas for celebrating the Launceston Cup Day in 2023, we’d love to hear more, so feel free to post in the comments below!
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