September 25-2026
The Launceston Cup is one of the biggest and most important days on the Tasmanian racing calendar, making news of its downgrade from Group 3 to Listed status particularly disappointing.
The Asian Pattern Committee has downgraded the historic Tasmanian feature, with the Launceston Cup one of five Australian races to lose status, all of them staying events.
First run in 1865, when Panic won the inaugural edition, the Launceston Cup has been a cornerstone of Tasmanian racing for more than 160 years and remains one of the state’s most prestigious and recognisable races.
The downgrade is disappointing for both the Tasmanian Turf Club and Tasracing, particularly given the considerable effort that continues to go into building and promoting Launceston Cup Week as one of Tasmania’s major racing celebrations.
Cup Week extends well beyond the race itself, incorporating the Magic Millions Tasmanian Yearling Sale, gala functions and other events before culminating with Launceston Cup Day.
The Tasmanian Turf Club has also continued to develop the raceday entertainment experience, with internationally renowned DJ Havana Brown booked to headline the 2027 Launceston Cup afterparty. While its official classification may have changed, the Launceston Cup’s history, tradition and importance to Tasmanian racing remain firmly intact.The Launceston Cup is one of the biggest and most important days on the Tasmanian racing calendar, making news of its downgrade from Group 3 to Listed status particularly disappointing.
The Asian Pattern Committee has downgraded the historic Tasmanian feature, with the Launceston Cup one of five Australian races to lose status, all of them staying events.
First run in 1865, when Panic won the inaugural edition, the Launceston Cup has been a cornerstone of Tasmanian racing for more than 160 years and remains one of the state’s most prestigious and recognisable races.
The downgrade is disappointing for both the Tasmanian Turf Club and Tasracing, particularly given the considerable effort that continues to go into building and promoting Launceston Cup Week as one of Tasmania’s major racing celebrations.
Cup Week extends well beyond the race itself, incorporating the Magic Millions Tasmanian Yearling Sale, gala functions and other events before culminating with Launceston Cup Day.
The Tasmanian Turf Club has also continued to develop the raceday entertainment experience, with internationally renowned DJ Havana Brown booked to headline the 2027 Launceston Cup afterparty. While its official classification may have changed, the Launceston Cup’s history, tradition and importance to Tasmanian racing remain firmly intact.
Leave a Reply