King Island racing season cancelled

King Island will be without thoroughbred and harness racing in 2026–27 after the King Island Racing Club failed to secure enough horses to meet TasRacing’s minimum requirements.

KIRC announced the decision following a committee meeting last night, saying trainers had committed 21 thoroughbreds and two pacers by the July 31 deadline.

The combined field of 23 horses was seven short of the minimum of 30 required for TasRacing to support the season.

Club president Audrey Hamer said it was not possible to proceed without that assistance.

“We know how much racing means to our community, not only as a much-loved summer social event, but also for the positive impact it has on the King Island economy and the many local businesses and volunteers who benefit from race days,” Mrs Hamer said.

The club thanked TasRacing for the support it had offered for the proposed season and said cancelling the program had been a difficult decision for the committee.

However, Mrs Hamer said the club was determined to work towards the return of racing in 2027–28.

The committee is seeking sponsors, volunteers and people prepared to help attract horses to the island or assist with the daily work involved in training them.

It is also inviting ideas from the wider community about how the club could strengthen its future and make the racing season more sustainable.

“Every offer of support, no matter how big or small, could make a real difference,” Mrs Hamer said.

The club has approached TasRacing to seek support for the following season, although a decision cannot be made until TasRacing’s budget is finalised in May 2027.

Mrs Hamer said demonstrating strong community backing and securing sponsorship would place the club in the best possible position when funding was considered.

“While we are disappointed, we are certainly not giving up,” she said.

“We remain committed to working towards seeing racing return to King Island.”

People interested in supporting the club can contact it through Facebook Messenger or email kingislandracingclub@gmail.com.