Family, friends, fashion and fun

McLaughlin Family Cup winner Rohan Hillier from Beauty Point driving Miss Papenhuyzen with Fashions on the Field winner Billie Hall, from Scottsdale at the Twilight Trots.

January 9, 2025

Some of the State’s best harness racers will hit the track in Scottsdale next month, as TasRacing boosts prize money for the annual McLaughlin Family North East Cup to $20,000.

And in a major win for punters, the organising committee will open the gates for free entry to the traditional twilight trots meet.

Scottsdale only hosts one meet each year and the North East Pacing Club is shaking things up this year in a bid to reignite old interest and attract new faces.

Club President Kent Rattray said he hoped there would be some local horses in the Cup’s starting line-up, but nominations wouldn’t be confirmed until the week of the event.

“We will be trying as hard as possible to get as many local horses in. Rockandahardplace will be attempting to run, Colby Sanz will be attempting to run and I am still undecided about Karalta Artemis, he could nearly fit into it,” Rattray said.

Horses must have won six races or more to be eligible to compete. The handicap system has also been altered this year to even up the competition.

“Six to nine wins is the front, 10-14 wins will be off 10m, 15-19 wins will run off 20m and if you have won more than 19 you are off 30m.” 

Rattray said there was a possibility that Beyond Delight, a horse trained by one of Australia’s leading trainers Emma Stewart, may enter and would start off 10m.

“If it comes it will start favourite because it is a pretty good horse,” he said.

“The $20,000 is a big drawcard. It will bring horses from far and wide and a different type of horse. They have got to get away from a standing start and handle the Scottsdale track which is a tighter circuit. There is no guarantee I will get mine in.”

If you buy a program on entry there is a free prize to use on the night.

There will also be a fashions on the field section which is free to enter with prizes on offer.

Helena Bowen from D& Me said there would be a more casual approach to the fashions this year.

“We recommend more casual like a picnic day, so no fascinators or gloves, just smart casual dresses more like you would wear to the polo and for men we would suggest chinos and shirts with no ties,” she said.

You can enter on the day.

There will be plenty of free
entertainment including face painting and the popular spud throwing competition.

Tori Rattray will be performing at the end of the seven-race program.

A free bus service will also be provided – for bookings contact 0417 169 644.

“It’s a really great afternoon and evening of entertainment on and off the track and we hope that by making it free given how tough things have been with the cost of living, we can have a great community event,” Rattray said.

“We only have one meet a year so it is important that the community keep supporting their local industry.”