‘Social occasion of the year’ brings revellers to the racetrack

Hobart Cup Day will once again bring together lovers of horseracing, entertainment and fashion over the long weekend. FULL HOBART CUP PREVIEW + TIPS >>

Hobart Cup Day will once again bring together lovers of horseracing, entertainment and fashion over the long weekend.

The 5000 Covid attendance cap has seen staple events like the official luncheon, leger carpark and marquees sellout, but Tasmanian Racing Club CEO Brendan Blomeley said general admission tickets will be available at the gate on Sunday.

“With stunning weather, high fashion, entertainment, fine food and wine, the Hobart Cup is unquestionably the social occasion of the year,” Mr Blomeley said.

Hobart Cup ambassador Steph Stacey will be among the throng for the big day.

For Ms Stacey, it’s an opportunity to get dolled up and see the best looks.

“The main thing that I love is the fashion, and just spending the day with my friends as well,” she said.

Steph Stacey and Ash Sutton Tasracing Ambassadors wtih the cup. Hobart Cup 2022 preview with Tasracing Ambassadors. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

Ms Stacey said her preparation for the perfect Hobart Cup attire began three months in advance.

“It’s finding the perfect dress, then finding the perfect fascinator, and I absolutely love putting my outfit together,” she said.

Hobart Cup ambassador Ash Sutton said he was a huge fan of the sport.

He has met “a lot of passionate and knowledgeable people who have welcomed me in with open arms” through his ambassador role.

Mr Sutton looked forward most to relaxing at the event with sunny weather, tasty drinks, and good friends.

The 147th Hobart Cup will kick off at 11am this Sunday at Ladbrokes Park Elwick, Glenorchy with the Hobart Cup run at 5pm.

Attendees must be double-vaccinated and wear a mask.

Meadburn’s family affair for the big race

ASHLEY Meaburn developed a love of horses from an early age, following in the

footsteps of her mother Luella who shares a thoroughbred training partnership with her Dad

Charlie Goggin who boasts 13 training premierships.

At Elwick on Sunday, Meaburn will take on the role of strapper of Group 3 Ladbrokes Hobart

Cup candidate Captain Cook who might be a $41 outsider, but is clearly the 20-year-old’s

favourite to win the Tasmanian Racing Club’s showcase event.

Meaburn’s father Damian Meaburn purchased Captain Cook 18 months ago with the hope of

winning a Hobart or Launceston Cup and last year the gelding contested both races with

mixed results.

He was an eye-catching fourth in the Hobart Cup but failed to flatter in Launceston.

With a year to map out a solid training program, Captain Cook is ready to repay his

owners, trainers, and Ashley, who is the gelding’s only trackwork rider.

Captain Cook track work rider Ashley Meaburn with the Hobart Cup at Elwick Racecource. Picture: Chris Kidd

“I ride Captain Cook in all of his trackwork and he is much better this time around,” Meaburn

said.

“I’ve given him three grass gallops at Elwick, and he has improved each time.”

Captain Cook has contested four races this preparation including a last-start eighth in the

Summer Cup over 2200m, and he has carried between 58.5 and 61kg in those four

assignments.

On Sunday he will be afforded the light weight of 54.5kg and he will be ridden by Irish-born

apprentice Eric Byrne Burke.

Co-trainer Luella Meaburn says Captain Cook has done everything asked of him this time in.

“The horse had a few little issues last year, but we have managed to get on top of those and

we have been very pleased with his runs leading up to the Hobart Cup,” Luella Meaburn said.

Captain Cook was formerly in the care of Australia’s top trainer Chris Waller in Sydney.

Peter Staples’ Hobart Cup tips

1 – White Hawk.

2 – In a Twinkling.

3 – Ho Ho Khan.

4 – Eastender.