It’s a new season and a new race day to kick off with the first meeting for 2026/27 being held at Ladbrokes Park Elwick in Hobart on Wednesday.

In fact, for the first six weeks of the season, Tasmanian racing will alternate between Hobart and Ladbrokes All Weather Spreyton in Devonport until night racing begins in mid-September.

With no meetings since 26 August, Wednesday’s meeting has attracted bumper fields and nine races.

Many punters would have been looking forward to seeing the promising John Of Jane step out for the second time in the class 2 (1200m), but trainer Siggy Carr has had second thoughts and withdrawn the 4yo.

“He’d drawn poorly in a good field, and it’s a big jump from a maiden to a class 2. I feel the ability is there to be up to them, but he’s still new, and it looked like he would have a tough run,” Carr said.

“I’ve elected to scratch him and send him for a spell now in preparation for the spring and summer.”

This season will be Carr’s first as a trainer only after injury forced her to retire from the saddle. John Of Jane was the first horse Carr raced after announcing her decision; he romped home on debut, winning by 5 1/2 lengths.

Despite the scratching, Carr will still head to the races with optimism for her stable representatives.

Black Raptor is second up in the 1200m maiden.

“She’s drawn well; hopefully the blinkers (first time) will help her stay confident throughout the run. She has proven to be a bit hesitant inside runners. Her better runs have come when she’s been able to get to the outside and finish off strongly. Hopefully things fall into place.”

Verhoeven is third up and will tackle the 1390m class 2.

“He was severely interfered with a few strides out of the barriers last start, and it really knocked him around. I thought it was a huge effort to finish fifthi; 1400m is still a but of a question for him, but I feel getting to the trip third-up rather than later in the preparation should suit him.”

Up To Tori is Carr’s third final runner for the day. She will contest the 1600m maiden/class 1. Up To Tori has been placed at two of her three runs this campaign.

“She has been good all prep. I would have liked another 1400m maiden for her, but there wasn’t one around, so she is stepping up to the 1600m. She’s an honest mare, and I expect another honest run.”

Racing gets underway at 11:45 and is a free gate for those attending by the Tasmanian Racing Club. As per usual, being the first meeting of the season, it's National Jockey Celebration Day; Matt Reid will be trackside for hosting the coverage on Tasracing Live.