TasRacing’s position on the future of King Island harness racing remains unclear, despite repeated assurances that the organisation “supports” the island’s unique mixed‑code program, which traditionally includes two harness races per meeting.
Correspondence obtained by the club shows TasRacing has maintained that it cannot commit to funding or programming until its annual budget is finalised and approved by the board. In April, General Manager Racing Liam Swan told the club that TasRacing was still “fully supportive” of King Island racing and that “nothing has changed from prior years”, but confirmed no decisions could be locked in until the budgeting process was complete.
Swan also acknowledged that many of the operational costs required to conduct racing on King Island — beyond prizemoney — need specific board approval, leaving harness participants and trainers with little certainty as the season approaches.
The situation escalated on 29 May when TasRacing advised that King Island’s race dates were not included in the draft 2026–27 Tasmanian Racing Calendar due to ongoing “budgeting and funding considerations”. As it stands, the island’s proposed meetings — including its harness races — are absent from the statewide schedule.
King Island Racing Club President Audrey Hamer has been pressing TasRacing for clarity, warning that the delay is jeopardising preparations. “Time is running out due to so much needing to be organised to host another successful King Island Racing season,” Hamer said.
She also voiced frustration at the lack of progress and communication, saying the club cannot continue planning in the dark while waiting for TasRacing to confirm whether the season — and its harness component — will proceed.TasRacing’s position on the future of King Island harness racing remains unclear, despite repeated assurances that the organisation “supports” the island’s unique mixed‑code program, which traditionally includes two harness races per meeting.
Correspondence obtained by the club shows TasRacing has maintained that it cannot commit to funding or programming until its annual budget is finalised and approved by the board. In April, General Manager Racing Liam Swan told the club that TasRacing was still “fully supportive” of King Island racing and that “nothing has changed from prior years”, but confirmed no decisions could be locked in until the budgeting process was complete.
Swan also acknowledged that many of the operational costs required to conduct racing on King Island — beyond prizemoney — need specific board approval, leaving harness participants and trainers with little certainty as the season approaches.
The situation escalated on 29 May when TasRacing advised that King Island’s race dates were not included in the draft 2026–27 Tasmanian Racing Calendar due to ongoing “budgeting and funding considerations”. As it stands, the island’s proposed meetings — including its harness races — are absent from the statewide schedule.
King Island Racing Club President Audrey Hamer has been pressing TasRacing for clarity, warning that the delay is jeopardising preparations. “Time is running out due to so much needing to be organised to host another successful King Island Racing season,” Hamer said.
She also voiced frustration at the lack of progress and communication, saying the club cannot continue planning in the dark while waiting for TasRacing to confirm whether the season — and its harness component — will proceed.
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