Fighter Command after the 2025 Beautide - Photo courtesy Elize Howlett
THE huge success of the 2025 TAB Eureka has had a flow-on effect to Tasmanian harness racing.
Strongly connected through its Tasracing slot in the world’s richest race, Tasmania saw remarkable harness racing turnover growth last month.
A key driver was the meeting featuring the $80,000 Beautide at Hobart, the race used to select Tasracing’s TAB Eureka slot runner.
Turnover on this year’s Beautide meeting was up 18 per year on last year.
For the month, turnover was up a remarkable 36 per cent on last year, albeit with one additional meeting.
Averaged out, that reflects a true 20 per cent turnover hike.
“We hope it signals a way forward for harness racing in Tasmania,” Tasracing CEO Andrew Jenkins said.
“Whether it’s The Beautide or a ratings race, Tassie harness racing rolls on.
“We have a new integrity regime led by Commissioner Sean Caroll, and Chief Racing Integrity Officer Heidi Lester.
“Punters ultimately make their own decisions, so a lift in wagering turnover normalised for volume is a big positive.”
PHOTO: Eliza Howlett