Launceston Cup 2020: Fun, fashion and racing

Thousands of punters have stepped out in style for the Launceston Cup as local trainers cross their fingers for a big win. Check out the pics we’ve snapped so far.

RAIN has not deterred thousands of punters from flocking to the Mowbray Racecourse for day filled with fun, fashion and of course racing.

The Mercury has been capturing some happy snaps in the lead up to the major race.

Laura Blacker travelled extensively to find another career path, but despite all efforts she kept returning to her first love — horses.

LAUNCESTON CUP PICTURE GALLERY

The daughter of one of Tasmania’s best trainers, John Blacker, decided on a career as a trainer four years back and as her father’s stable foreperson she is on the way to achieving her goal and hopes to one day hold a trainer’s licence.

Laura Blacker with Glass Warrior. Picture: PETER STAPLES

Today, the stable’s grey mare Glass Warrior has the chance to realise John’s dream of training the winner of a Launceston Cup and Laura has played a major role in the plan.

Glass Warrior finished third in the Hobart Cup this month and that outing has her in top shape for today’s main mission.

“When Dad picked this mare out at the Tasmanian yearling sale, he was confident she would stay and that has been the plan from day one,” Ms Blacker said.

“I have become quite fond of the mare and, even though she can be a bit cranky at times, she is a very talented racehorse.

“I reckon she only has to improve slightly on what she did in the Hobart Cup to give Dad his first Launceston Cup winner.”

LAUNCESTON CUP FASHIONS ON THE FIELD

Glamorous pair Lauren Kregor and Alex Britton. Picture: ZAK SIMMONDS

Blacker also prepares eight-year-old Settler’s Stone that finished fourth in last year’s Cup.

Settler’s Stone will be lining up in his fifth consecutive Launceston Cup in which he is considered one of the outsiders at $31.

Kiara Manning, Melanie Wade and Mandy Manning dressed up for the occasion. Picture: ZAK SIMMONDS

He caught the eye last start when he rattled home from well back to finish second to White Hawk in the Night Cup on February 12.

“Settler’s Stone has been very competitive in previous Launceston cups and he was fourth last year at big odds ($61) and I think he is going better this year,” Blacker said.

“I think Glass Warrior has the best form of my two going into this race, but I won’t mind if either wins because I’ve been trying to win this race a long time.”

LAUNCESTON CUP PICTURE GALLERY

The Launceston Cup will be run as race eight on the 10-event program and is scheduled to start at 5.13pm.