THE Tasmanian Pacing Club produced a successful launch of its premier event the Tasmania Cup with a display from a breed of horse that is not usually seen on a racetrack.
Marten The Magnificent, a Friesian stallion from Holland that cost his owners $100,000 about two years ago, paraded in harness and sulky with racing Minister Bryan Green there to officially launch the Tasmania Cup.
Mr Green said the club had shown initiative by looking “outside the circle” as far as launching the club’s premier event.
“The TPC has always been very active in promoting its special events with innovative ideas and this promotion involving Rosedale Stud’s Friesian stallions, Gypsy Cobs and Spanish trick horses,” he said.
Many of the stars from Rosedale Stud were at the launch including Marten that has been named the Ambassador of the Tasmania Cup.
Marten will be hitched up and lead the Group 1 Tasmania Cup field out onto the track on December 26.
He also will be the star of the show at next Sunday night’s meeting along with another Friesian stallion Jakel, Kalypso the Spanish trick horse and Sidney the Gypsy Cob that put on quite a show for the crowd of over 100 that gathered at Tattersall’s Park for the official launch.
Rosedale Stud is situated at Campania and comprises 1600 acres of pasture and some bushland but the horse breeding complex and other features on the property make it one of the best eco-tourist attractions in the state.