Launceston Cup

See the 2024 Launceston Cup Preview and results.

See the 2023 Launceston Cup Preview and results.

2024 is the 160th Launceston Cup.

The Cup was first run in 1865 over a distance of 3 miles (about 4800m) and was won by a horse called Panic. The following year it was won by a six-year-old called Strop who won again in 1869. The race wasn’t held in 1870  and in 1874 the race was reduced to 14 furlongs (about 2800m) when it was won by Strop again. He won a 4th time in 1876 as a sixteen-year-old. From 1892 to 1967 the distance was a mile and a half (about 2400m), from 1968 to 1980 2600m, 1981 and 1982 2400m, 1983 to 2001 2600m, and the current distance  of 2400m from 2002 onwards. It has been a Group 3 race since 1980.

Many horses come to this race from the Hobart Cup.

Launceston Cup has become one of Tasmania’s main annual social events.

Last mare to win: Glass Warrior (2021)

Last 3YO to win: Filly – Seignorina (1925); C&G – Bucklaw (1917)

Multiple winners: Aurora’s Symphony (2022 & 2023); St Andrews (2000, 2003 & 2004); Free Beer (1995 & 1996); Brallos (1976 & 1977); Vamos (1954 & 1955); Seignorina (1923 & 1925); Ordella (1918 & 1919); Watchful (1906 & 1907); Swiveller ((1879 & 1880); Strop (1866, 1869, 1874 & 1876).

Fastest time (2400m): Hofmeister (2007) 2:28:87

Interesting trivia: 1980 winner Summer Fleur is the dam of 1988 Melbourne Cup winner Empire Rose.

Winners of past Launceston Cups include Big Duke, St Andrews (2000, 2003 & 2004); Streak (1999); Free Beer (1995 & 1996); Brallos (1976 & 1977); Limit (1968); Vamos (1954 & 1955).