Punters primed for live racing

LOCAL racegoers eager to catch a glimpse of live horse racing this Melbourne Cup Day can head to Hobart’s Elwick Racecourse.

The Tasmanian Racing Club’s Cup Day meeting features a full eight-race card, including a 3200m contest to align with the race that stops a nation.

TRC chief executive Shayne Stevenson said they had a big day planned and were expecting up to 2000 fans through the gates.

“There’s no better place in the state to watch the eight races live and the Cup on the big screen,” he said.

“We’ve got all bases covered, including our own fashions on the field.”

Other events taking place across Hobart today include the Royal Hobart Hospital Research Foundation’s annual luncheon at Mona. Wrest Point Casino is getting into the Cup Day spirit with a marquee event on Wrest Point lawns.

The Black Buffalo Hotel, in North Hobart, The Brick Factory, at Salamanca and Cooleys Hotel, at Moonah are also holding special Melbourne Cup Day events.

Tasmanians planning on enjoying Cup festivities are being urged to celebrate responsibly.

Tasmania Police Acting Sergeant Ann Edge said Melbourne Cup Day was traditionally busy for police.

“Police want everyone to enjoy the festivities associated with Melbourne Cup and urge people to drink responsibly and never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs,” Sergeant Edge said.

“Police will be proactively patrolling entertainment precincts across the state tomorrow to ensure everyone has the opportunity to celebrate safely, and remind people that drinking in the street is illegal.

“Suspected underage patrons at licensed establishments will be checked for identification.”

Sergeant Edge said one spe- cific concern for police was the potential for people to drink and drive without consideration of the consequences.

“Choosing to drive while under the influence of alcohol or drugs is not only disappointing and unacceptable to police, it poses a significant risk to the safety of all on our roads,” she said.

She said mobile police patrols would focus on drink- and drug-driving, speeding, inattention, failing to wear seatbelts and using mobile phones while driving.

She urged people to prearrange a safe way home.

We’ve got all bases covered, including our own fashions on the field

— SHAYNE STEVENSON