Carrick trainer-driver Mark Yole landed his second feature cup winner in a week when he guided Riverboat Jasper to victory in the $30,000 Devonport Cup on Sunday night.
Yole steered Hez The One to an exciting win in the Burnie Cup last week and followed up with an inspired drive on the 2016 Easter Cup winner Riverboat Jasper over the 3020-metre staying trip.
Yole was the first to make a move in the cup, hooking out three wide at the 1000-metre mark and pressing forward.
With the pressure on, the Wayne and Wanda Campbell-owned eight-year-old showed his true mettle, storming to the front inside the 200 and defying his rivals.
Wayne, Wanda and Mark also snared a winning double with Ken Two Stars.
The Todd Rattray-trained and driven Group 1 star Ignatius made a triumphant return, commencing his three-year-old season with an awesome display, scoring by nine-and-a-half metres.
The Tasmanian Harness Racing Yearling Sales return to the sales ring for 2018 at the Inveresk Showgrounds on Wednesday, February 14.
For the past three years the yearling sales have been conducted online, but the decision to return to the traditional sales ring concept promises to further boost the upward trend of the industry.
Tasracing is encouraging all breeders to consider nominating their Yearlings for the sales and will assist vendors with no entry fees or commission payable.
Tasracing CEO Vaughn Lynch believes it's an exciting time to become involved in Tasmanian harness racing.
“Harness racing in Tasmania is enjoying a resurgence, stakemoney is on the rise and the number of race meetings has increased along with field sizes.
“I am confident the industry is heading in the right direction, turnover is up as is the interest in Tasmanian harness racing nationally and internationally; we need to continue to work together as a team across all facets of the industry to ensure a sustainable and exciting future.”
Tasracing is aiming for a $50,000 Sires Stakes Final in 2019, with this year’s crop of yearlings going under the hammer eligible for the Series.
Breeders and buyers are reminded that Tasbred horses are also eligible for the Vicbred scheme.
Nominations are now open for tried horses and broodmares that will also go through the sales ring.
Further information and entry forms will be available shortly via the Tasracing website along with sale catalogues. For details or to pre-register your interest contact Angela Barrett on (03) 6212 9307 or email a.barrett@tasracing.com.au
Tasmanian Harness Racing Yearling Sales
Venue: Inveresk Showgrounds, Launceston