A deadline is looming to decide the fate of a King Island Racing season that has been restructured amid a shortage of racehorses.
In conjunction with the King Island Racing Club (KIRC), Tasracing has devised a reduced racing schedule for 2025/2026 of four meetings throughout January.
A starter incentive will also be offered to entice owners and trainers to a unique racing enclave that has been part of the Australian racing landscape for more than 130 years.
Traditionally, the KIRC season opens from late November and runs through until the end of January.
But despite the best efforts of the club’s volunteer committee to attract visiting trainers, there has not been enough interest from mainland and Tasmanian stables to program a full season.
The club requires a thoroughbred population of at least 30 horses to ensure continuity over a two-month racing period.
On an interim basis, Tasracing has reallocated January 3, January 17, January 24 and January 31 as King Island racing dates.
“Final confirmation of these dates is subject to transport availability,” Tasracing said in a statement.
To assist with the costs associated with participating in the King Island racing season, a $500 per-start subsidy will be made available to trainers for all horses - thoroughbred and standardbred - competing during the season.
The initiative will be jointly funded by Tasracing and the KIRC, with the subsidy to be administered by Tasracing and paid directly to trainers after each race meeting.
Trainers have until August 27 to register their interest ahead of an expected announcement two days later.
“This is a critical step to ensure the viability of the racing program and the allocation of available resources,” Tasracing said.
“The King Island Racing Club will make a final determination on the 2025/2026 season following this consultation process.”
