Tasracing notes this week’s decision by the King Island Racing Club (KIRC) Inc that it will not be proceeding with the 2026/27 racing season due to a lack of horse and participant numbers.

CEO Andrew Jenkins said the deadline for trainers to confirm horses with the KIRC Inc was 31 July.

“Only 21 thoroughbred and two harness horses committed,” he said.

“Unfortunately, these numbers fall well short of the minimum required by Tasracing to facilitate a racing season.”

Mr Jenkins said he appreciated the hard work of the KIRC Inc committee in its endeavours to secure sufficient interest for the 2026/27 season to proceed.

“We acknowledge, in particular, the hard work and commitment from KIRC Inc President, Audrey Hamer will continue to be available to work with the committee on solutions for 2027/28 and have certainly not ruled out a return to racing on King Island next season,” he said.

KIRC Inc President Audrey Hamer said this had been a very difficult decision for the committee.

“We would like to thank the trainers on and off King Island who were willing to commit horses to race for the season,” he said.

“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,” she said.

“While we are disappointed, we are certainly not giving up. Our focus now is on doing everything we can to give ourselves the best possible chance of returning for the 2027/28 season.”