The Tasmanian city of Launceston lies in the north of the island between the North and South Esk rivers. It is Tasmania’s second city after the capital Hobart, and first welcomed European settlers in March 1806. Records show that racing was certainly taking place at New Town, near Hobart, in 1814 when a 200 Guineas a side Match was staged between the mare Diana and a gelding, Cheviot, which the mare won. Within 20 years the idea for a Tasmanian Turf Club was mooted in Ross after the Cressy Company brought out the stallions Buffalo, Bolivar and Aladdin, along with the mare Edella, to give Tasmania a head start over Melbourne. Full details for those early years is patchy, and it only came to prominence in the early 1860s when it launched its Champions Cup in an attempt to rival the Melbourne Cup on the mainland which was first staged in 1861. Although a Champions race was staged at Hobart in 1861 when Mormon was successful, the inaugural running of the Launceston Champions Cup is generally accepted as taking place on Tuesday 14th February 1865 over 3 miles. Initially races were staged on a straight course on Elphin Road, but later moved to the present day racecourse in Mowbray, a suburb of Launceston some 3 kilometres from the city centre on the Vermont and Jellico roads.
Despite the first Champions Cup taken place in 1865 when Panic was successful, it was a further 6 years before the Tasmanian Turf Club was formed, organising its first 3 day meeting later that year. The Launceston Cup in 1871, over 3 miles, was won by Romula, defeating the much fancied Tom Whiffler and previous winner Panic. Just 5 years later a small grandstand was erected, but it was to be a further 38 years before the main grandstand was completed. The Launceston Cup remains the principal race at the track, with full details of previous winners shown below.
1865 The inaugural running of the Launceston Cup (500 sovereigns) over 3 miles on Tuesday 14th February 1865 was won by Panic (6/1), a 6 year old owned by Mr S Blackwell, defeating Musidora (4/1) by 2 lengths, with Poet (4/1) in third 10 ran
1866 The Launceston Cup (500 sovereigns) over 3 miles was won by Strop (100/12) a 4 year old owned by Mr William Field, beating Ben Bolt (100/15) owned by Mr R Lyall and Rose of Denmark (100/15) owned by Mr Hurtie Fisher 9 ran
1867 The Launceston Cup (500 sovereigns) over 3 miles was won by Fishhook (10/1) owned by Mr C B Fisher, beating Volunteer (Evens fav) owned by Mr John Tait and Warwick owned by Mr John Tait 8 ran
1868 The Launceston Cup (500 sovereigns) over 3 miles was won by Fireworks (25/1) owned by Mr John Tait and ridden by Davis, defeating Tim Whiffler (2/1 ON fav) owned by Mr F de Mestre, with Strop (14/1) owned by Mr William Field in third 6 ran
1869 The Launceston Cup (400 sovereigns) over 3 miles was won by Strop (4/1) owned by Mr William Field and ridden by Haynes, defeating Glencoe owned by John Tait and ridden by Stanley and Warwick also owned by Mr John Tait and ridden by Taylor 5 ran
1870 The Launceston Cup was not run this year, although a meeting on 28th March 1870 did agree ambitious plans for a re-launch of the Cup in February 1871
1871 The Launceston Cup (300 sovereigns) over 3 miles was won by Romula owned by Mr J Wilson, defeating Tim Whiffler, owned by Mr F de Mestre, and Panic owned by Mr William Field
1872 The Launceston Cup (200 sovereigns) over 3 miles was won by Misty Morn owned by the Melbourne bookmaker Mr A Saqui, defeating Contessa owned by Mr W Filgate and Warrior also owned by Mr A Saqui 5 ran
1873 The Launceston Cup (300 sovereigns) over 3 miles was won by Leo (4/5 fav) owned by Mr T J Ryan and ridden by Grubb, defeating Blue Peter (6/4) owned by Mr P Lewis and ridden by W Enderson, with Merrytoes (5/1) owned by Mr S Blackwell and ridden by S Davis in third 8 ran
1874 The Launceston Cup (£200) over 2 miles was won by Strop, a 12 year old previous winner owned by Mr William Field, beating Blue Peter, owned by Mr P Lewis, and Kinglike, also owned by Mr P Lewis, who dead-heated
1875 The Launceston Cup (£200) over 2 miles was won by Ella owned by Mr P Lewis, who beat Strop and Bishopsbourne, both owned by Mr William Field
1876 The Launceston Cup (£300) over 2 miles was won by Strop, a 14 year old dual previous winner owned by Mr William Field, beating Bella owned by William Field by a length, with Red Gauntlet 2 lengths further back in third 4 ran
1877 The Launceston Cup (200 sovereigns) over 2 miles was won by Spark owned by Mr J Arthur, defeating Bella, owned by William Field by half a length, with Adelaide owned by Mr H Phillips in third 11 ran
1878 The Launceston Cup (300 sovereigns) over 2 miles was won by Aldinga owned by Mr George Pyer, beating Ada by a length, with Adelaide owned by Mr H Phillips in third 10 ran
1879 The Launceston Cup (150 sovereigns) over 2 miles was won by Swiveller (4/1) owned by Mr C M Lloyd, defeating Lord Harry owned by Mr M Loughlin by half a length, British Workman owned by Mr A O’Connor in third
1880 The Launceston Cup (300 sovereigns) over 1 ¾ miles was won by Swiveller (4/5 fav) owned by Mr C M Lloyd, defeating British Workman (4/1) owned by Mr A O’Connor and Viceroy (7/4) owned by Mr T Elder 5 ran
1881 The Launceston Cup over 1 ¾ miles was not contested this year
1882 The Launceston Cup over 1 ¾ miles was won by Stockwell, beating Napper Tandy and Queen
1883 The Launceston Cup over 1 ¾ miles was won by Rhesus, defeating The Assyrian and Sheet Anchor
1884 The Launceston Cup over 1 ¾ miles was won by Sheet Anchor, beating King of the Vale and Blink Bonny
1885 The Launceston Cup over 1 ¾ miles was won by Hobart, beating Bonnie Scotland and Astronomer
1886 The Launceston Cup over 1 ¾ miles was won by Duration, beating The Knave and Meteor
1887 The Launceston Cup over 1 ¾ miles was won by The Knave, defeating Harvester and Menotti
1888 The Launceston Cup over 1 ¾ miles was won by Ruby, defeating Mistletoe and Ballarat
1889 The Launceston Cup over 1 ¾ miles was won by Chaldean, beating Laura and Crown Band
1890 The Launceston Cup over 1 ¾ miles was won by Macquarie, beating Silvermere and Claudee
1891 The Launceston Cup over 1 ¾ miles was won by Dundas, beating Dick Turpin and Comper
1892 The Launceston Cup over 1 ½ miles was won by Retreat, beating Hopetoun and Bodkin
1893 The Launceston Cup over 1 ½ miles was won by Comedian, defeating Bischoff and Pauline
1894 The Launceston Cup over 1 ½ miles was won by Amadeus, beating Bischoff and Petrarch
1895 The Launceston Cup over 1 ½ miles was won by The Golden King, beating Theodore and Music
1896 The Launceston Cup over 1 ½ miles was won by Caller Ou, defeating Lilith and Mountaineer
1897 The Launceston Cup over 1 ½ miles was won by Mountaineer, beating Lena and Tamino
1898 The Launceston Cup over 1 ½ miles was won by Sortie, defeating Eiridsdale and Tamino
1899 The Launceston Cup over 1 ½ miles was won by Flintlock, defeating Lena and Timbrel
1900 The Launceston Cup over 1 ½ miles was won by Eiridsdale, beating Timbrel and Loch Leigh
1901 The Launceston Cup was won by Royalty, beating Timbrel and Alborak
1902 The Launceston Cup resulted in a dead-heat between The Sirdar and Cordon, with Adjuster in third
1903 The Launceston Cup was won by Chesterfield, defeating Larissa and The Sirdar
1904 The Launceston Cup was won by Southern Cross, defeating Timbrel and Naelbundum
1905 The Launceston Cup was won by Hatteras, defeating Watchful and Admirer
1906 The Launceston Cup was won by Watchful, beating The Murk and Nordenfeldt
1907 The Launceston Cup was won by Watchful, beating Tulkeroo and Plus
1908 The Launceston Cup was won by Regret, defeating Hospodar and Admirer
1909 The Launceston Cup was won by Golden Gate, defeating Flavel and Delenda
1910 The Launceston Cup resulted in a dead-heat between Drumreagh and Iliad, with Eighteen Carat in third
1911 The Launceston Cup was won by Loyal Blue, defeating Drumreagh and Iliad
1912 The Launceston Cup was won by Desire, defeating Riot and Kingling
1913 The Launceston Cup was won by Uncle Matt, defeating Oakdene and Kingling
1914 The Launceston Cup was won by Hugli, beating Lawrenny and Delphic
1915 The Launceston Cup was won by Hayston, defeating Pearl King and Lord Grey
1916 The Launceston Cup was won by Rock Temple, beating Polska and Tasman’s Isle
1917 The Launceston Cup was won by Bucklaw, beating Royal Pride and Daimler
1918 The Launceston Cup was won by Ordella, defeating Bilga and Sir Diff
1919 The Launceston Cup was won by Ordella, defeating Cantelina and Earlstine
1920 The Launceston Cup was won by Trusty Blade, beating Kennell and Princess Vimy
1921 The Launceston Cup was won by Sand Dune, beating Talisman and Royal Reserve
1922 The Launceston Cup was won by Royal Reserve, beating Ouverte and Beltane
1923 The Launceston Cup was won by Seignorina, defeating Binbi and Bright Plume
1924 The Launceston Cup was won by Amazonia, defeating Walworth Bright and Binbi
1925 The Launceston Cup was won by Seignorina, defeating Lydia Languish and Mister
1926 The Launceston Cup was won by Spreadeagle, defeating Kirkkie and Rawhetu
1927 The Launceston Cup was won by Head Girl, defeating Kathaian and Kirkkie
1928 The Launceston Cup was won by Lycurgides, defeating Panoply and Girula
1929 The Launceston Cup was won by Laird O’Cockpen, beating Prince Viol and Ograb
1930 The Launceston Cup (£600) was won by Tarapunga owned by Mr G H Cann and ridden by O Phillips, defeating Woodchatter owned by Mr A Woolliscroft and ridden by C N Percival, and Lycurgides owned by Mr G H Cann and ridden by H Coutts 9 ran
1931 The Launceston Cup was won by Darpuna, defeating Bemesk and Royal Simon
1932 The Launceston Cup was won by Finsbury, defeating Grapes and Dacelo
1933 The Launceston Cup was won by Motive, beating Lucky Saint and King Aquila
1934 The Launceston Cup was won by Baanya, defeating Never Despair and Lunation
1935 The Launceston Cup was won by Gabbler, defeating Never Despair and Coolart
1936 The Launceston Cup was won by Coolart, beating Senegal and Red Tartan
1937 The Launceston Cup was won by Royal Barb, defeating Bachelor’s Song and Royalty
The photo above is of Radiant Boy landing a surprise in the Launceston Cup and is shown courtesy of the Weekly Times Saturday 19th February 1938
1938 The Launceston Cup was won by Radiant Boy (33/1), defeating Barapic and Royalty
1939 The Launceston Cup was won by Keeping Watch, defeating Custos and Karman
1940 The Launceston Cup was won by Beau Roi, beating Royalty and Jane Moorhead
1941 The Launceston Cup was won by Old Days, defeating Cadesia and Mercator
1942 The Launceston Cup was won by Jane Moorhead, defeating Cackle and Old Days
1943 The Launceston Cup was won by Entitle, beating Cavante and Princess Thaura
1944 The Launceston Cup was won by Son O’Val, defeating King Arthur and Thurso Bay
1945 The Launceston Cup was won by Hero, beating Norfolk and Aldgate
1946 The Launceston Cup was won by Gamelin, defeating Paramente and Croesus
The photo above is of Miss Dart landing the Launceston Cup and is shown courtesy of The Mercury Thursday 20th February 1947
1947 The Launceston Cup was won by Miss Dart, defeating Wing Fire and Croesus
1948 The Launceston Cup was won by Manakau, beating Persuade and Evade
1949 The Launceston Cup was won by The Artist, defeating Unjust and Barnwell
1950 The Launceston Cup was won by Tarcombe, beating Trawool and Peter
1951 The Launceston Cup was won by Dick Turpin, defeating Tasman’s Isle and Tarcombe
1952 The Launceston Cup was won by English, defeating Sir Legis and Royal Release
1953 The Launceston Cup was won by Lord Burleigh, beating Flying Legend and Vamos
1954 The Launceston Cup was won by Vamos, defeating Sea Wolf and Don Zalva
1955 The Launceston Cup was won by Vamos, defeating Scott County and Balls
1956 The Launceston Cup was won by Dongarra, defeating Captain Hepburn and L’Enjeu
1957 The Launceston Cup was won by Lord Carrick, beating Buzzie and Stock Agent
1958 The Launceston Cup was won by Tavua, defeating Lady Florette and Wing Shades
1959 The Launceston Cup was won by Wing Shades, defeating Beau Thom and Recount
1960 The Launceston Cup was won by Overproof, beating Royal Djafar and Royal Fun
1961 The Launceston Cup was won by Sweet Maine, beating Cool Spot and Royal Djafar
1962 The Launceston Cup was won by Native Land, beating Allay En and Sullivan
1963 The Launceston Cup was won by Juraco, beating Ross and Sullivan
1964 The Launceston Cup was won by Mayno, beating Sullivan and Richmond Manor
1965 The Launceston Cup was won by Marco’s Folly, beating Macdalla and Karitzi
1966 The Launceston Cup was won by Nicotera, beating Sullivan and General Halt
1967 The Launceston Cup was won by San Sebastian, beating Sailing Prince and Arctic Beau
1968 The Launceston Cup was won by Limit, beating What’s Brewing and Scalper
1969 The Launceston Cup was won by Rainbow Isle, defeating Delarus and Landmark
1970 The Launceston Cup was won by Red Tornado, beating Neamoc and Royal Opal
1971 The Launceston Cup was won by Neamoc, defeating Gypsy Girl and Maefred
1972 The Launceston Cup was won by Shipwright, defeating Piping Lane and Sky Farm
1973 The Launceston Cup was won by Woodfield, beating Marlborough and Southerly Buster
1974 The Launceston Cup was won by Trader, defeating Cardinal Crest and Marlborough
1975 The Launceston Cup was won by King Boongarie, defeating Spirit Lover and Terrarco
1976 The Launceston Cup was won by Brallos, defeating Spirit Lover and Terrarco
1977 The Launceston Cup was won by Brallos, beating Lord Pascoe and Fade Away
1978 The Launceston Cup was won by Recollect, defeating Fade Away and World Edition
1979 The Launceston Cup was won by Jessephenie, defeating Recollect and Allez Model
1980 The Launceston Cup was won by Summer Fleur, beating Strident King and Andrias
1981 The Launceston Cup was won by Anzaas, defeating Andrias and Hannekes Gentleman
1982 The Launceston Cup was won by Andrias, beating Another Streak and Lavaro
1983 The Launceston Cup was won by Nifty Red, beating Jacaranda and Relko Star
1984 The Launceston Cup was won by Martian’s Son, beating Lloyd’s Race and Arctic Eclipse
1985 The Launceston Cup was won by Scruples, beating Exdirectory and Lloyd’s Race
1986 The Launceston Cup was won by Epigram, beating Egyptian Dancer and Royal Work
1987 The Launceston Cup was won by Brave Trespasser, beating Pekamagess and Noble Tinjar
1988 The Launceston Cup was won by Superior Way, defeating Ivor Capri and Dollar Investment
1989 The Launceston Cup was won by Shykoski, defeating Brave Trespasser and Clerical
1990 The Launceston Cup was won by Down The Pitch, beating Lady Have A Heart and Daarro King
1991 The Launceston Cup was won by Bitter Spring, beating Tiendi and Sistino
1992 The Launceston Cup was won by Star Cheers, beating Pelagic and Russian Rogue
1993 The Launceston Cup was won by Diamond Bases, defeating Varo’s Last and Clan’s Comet
1994 The Launceston Cup was won by Rich Dreams, defeating Eager Prince and Strike High
1995 The Launceston Cup was won by Free Beer, defeating Beloako and Danby Road
1996 The Launceston Cup was won by Free Beer, beating Ticking Away and Faveaux
1997 The Launceston Cup was won by Ticking Away, defeating Vaudeville Piper and L’Espion
1998 The Launceston Cup was won by King’s Landing, defeating Prince Baracus and Napier Street
1999 The Launceston Cup was won by Streak, defeating Starsphere and Bluetinsk
2000 The Launceston Cup was won by St Andrews, defeating Mt Arthur and Naucho
2001 The Launceston Cup was won by Full of Rhythm, defeating St Andrews and Naucho
2002 The Launceston Cup was won by St Andrews, beating Bondi Iceberg and Imax
2003 The Launceston Cup was won by St Andrews, beating Arena Valadora and Saturday Fever
2004 The Launceston Cup was won by Zacielo, defeating Saturday Fever and Dream Quest
2005 The Launceston Cup was won by Dakasha, bearing Bondy and Under The Bridge
2006 The Launceston Cup was won by Precise Timing, defeating Aquiline and Mr Buttkicka
2007 The Launceston Cup was won by Hofmeister, defeating Field Hunter and Emerald Jack
2008 The Launceston Cup was won by Itsa Kareem, defeating Lady Atire and Our Dashing Dane
2009 The Launceston Cup was won by Zavite, defeating Centurytwentyone and Itsa Kareem
2010 The Launceston Cup was won by Larry’s Never Late, defeating Dream Pedlar and Growl
2011 The Launceston Cup was won by Fast Future, defeating White Yard and Geegees Blackflash
2012 The Launceston Cup was won by Prevailing trained by D & S Brunton and ridden by A Darmanin, defeating Geegees Blackflash and Fieldmaster 9 ran
2013 The Launceston Cup was won by Geegees Blackflash trained by J F Luttrell and ridden by P Mertens, defeating Lucky Angel and Dream Pedlar 14 ran
2014 The Launceston Cup was won by Epingle trained by M C Kent and ridden by Craig Williams, defeating Gold To Go and Geegees Blackflash 13 ran
2015 The Launceston Cup was won by Genuine Lad trained by Bill Ryan and ridden by Craig Williams, defeating Banca Mo and Geegees Blackflash 13 ran
2016 The Launceston Cup was won by Up Cups trained by D L Brunton and ridden by D Pires, defeating Arianne and Schockemohle 13 ran
2017 The Launceston Cup was won by Big Duke trained by D K Weir and ridden by Ben Allen, defeating Count Da Vinci and Tuff Bickie 13 ran
