THE MINERS REST CUP AT KING ISLAND
SET THE SCENE
King Island's racing experience is truly unparalleled. Situated in the heart of Bass Strait, nestled between Victoria and Tasmania, this unique island is renowned for its extraordinary golf courses, delectable beef, cheese, and crayfish, and its laid-back, easy-going lifestyle.
However, one event that truly stands out is the highly anticipated Summer Racing Carnival, held just once a year.
SOUND THE ALARM
Audrey Hamer, President of the King Island Racing Club, sounded the alarm, expressing doubts about the racing season due to a shortage of horses, trainers, and volunteers. This concern came from losing most of their previous season to COVID-related challenges. The entire island shared the sentiment that the club's 131-year history might come to an end if the season couldn't proceed.
The club's dire situation garnered widespread attention through RSN and Racing.com, leading to a flood of offers to provide horses and a few trainers willing to relocate to ensure the season's continuation.
CALL TO ARMS
Cue the camaraderie of a group of Ballarat trainers once playfully referred to in the media as the 'Tuki Twelve'. These trainers saw an opportunity to help keep the King Island Cup running for one more season and to come together and lay the groundwork for a sustainable future for the iconic Racing Club.
THE PLAN
A plan was underway to bring to life the 'Miners Rest Cup.'
This was a novel concept aimed at promoting racing on King Island, boosting tourism, supporting local charities, and generating a growing annual revenue stream for the club while uniting their shared passion and love for racing.
THE DEBUT
The Miners Rest Cup debut occurred in 2023, raising close to $30,000 for local charities on King Island. Trainers, guests, and media brought an additional 100 people to the island to watch the Miners Rest Cup and the highlight event of the day, the King Island Cup.
The concept was to ensure that the Miners Rest Cup could benefit the entire racing season, not only the day of the event, highlighting all that the club and King Island community have to offer and encouraging people to visit the island and incorporate horse racing into their itinerary.
The Royal Flying Doctors Service, Grassy Pool, King Island Museum, King Island SES and Fire Brigade, King Island Community Help program, and King Island Retirement Village received donations from the Miners Rest Cup. At the same time, the King Island Racing Club also received support.
WHAT’S NEXT
The Miners Rest Cup will take place at King Island in January 2024, focusing on combining the trainer's passion and skillsets to build resilience and longevity in Community Racing Clubs to ensure that the Racing Industry remains strong.