THE King Island 2022/23 racing season is going ahead with the support of Victorian based trainers, shipping companies and pledges from the Tasmanian State Government.
King Island Racing Club president, Audrey Hamer this week announced that the Race Club committee decided to proceed due to support received from Victorian based trainers Chris Diplock and Shane Bottomley. The first two issues which put the season under threat were lack of trainers and available horses. “Thank you to all those that contacted me especially Chris Diplock and Shane Bottomley from Victoria,” she said. “Chris is coming over for the season with three of his horses and two or three of Shane’s.”
King Island racing identities, past Race Club president, Rod McGarvie and his wife Val who are thoroughbred owner trainers, and race club supporters offered their property for a visiting trainer to use. Mr Diplock will relocate for the summer season. He trains a small team at Pakenham and educates horses for a number of stables. He said King Island had always been on his bucket list. “I’d get mine fit before they get there and have them ready to go by mid-December. “I’ve got three maiden horses that would be very competitive.”
The club’s media callout which indicated probable cancellation of the iconic race meet after 130 years of racing on the island, due to lack of trainers, horses and ground staff, attracted a lot of attention to the club’s plight. One report said: “Ciaron Maher has said he will endeavour to find some horses within his vast empire to set aside for King Island.”
In August, Racing Minister Madeleine Ogilvie, said she had spoken to TasRacing. In a supportive written statement she said the Government would offer whatever practical help it could to make sure the season ran. “Events Tasmania has indicated it will offer financial assistance and there has been a suggestion of shipping subsidies for interstate horses.”
The King Island Race Club, under advice from TasRacing citing Covid risk , cancelled the 21/22 season after two race days. The seven meetings scheduled for this season are Official Trial Day on November 19, December 3, December 17, Boxing Day, King Island Cup – New Year’s Day, January 14, January 21 and January 28.
Ms Hamer said while there are some local ground support commitments, the club was still calling for stable hands to help these trainers with daily tasks and race day volunteers. “If anyone can assist, even for a couple of hours to contact me. “The next matter will be the securing of jockeys as this has been an issue over the past few years,” she said.