St Marys Cup: a race steeped in history

Nestled among the rolling hills of Tasmania’s east coast, the community of St Marys comes alive every New Year’s Day and becomes the vibrant hub of harness racing. This is the story of the St Marys Cup, a race steeped in almost a century of community pride and sporting tradition.

The Cup’s origins date back to 1928, when the first event thundered over a simple grass track carved into the paddocks along Harefield Road. But the city’s passion for trotting extends even further, with informal races recorded as early as 1889 – a testament to how deeply the sport is woven into local life.

Over the decades, the St Marys Cup has spawned its fair share of legends. Fast Benthe crowd favorite who recorded consecutive victories in 1973 and 1974 remains a beloved name. And Gorse Bushmother of champion pacer Beautide, helped shape a lineage of greatness that can still be found in Tasmanian harness racing.

But what really sets the St Marys Cup apart isn’t just the signature 1,340-metre grass track or the $14,000 prize money; it’s the people. Every year thousands of people flock to this small town of just 738 inhabitants to enjoy a quintessential Australian celebration. Bookmakers line the rails, the barbecues get going, raffles and fashion competitions add colour, and families come together for a day that combines sport, community and summer festivities.

Veteran race caller Colin McNiff will once again take his place in the broadcast box, with binoculars in hand, ready to bring every moment to life.

The main event, the $14,000 Eric Bean Memorial St Mary’s Pacing Cuphonors the extraordinary contribution of Eric Bean, who served on the club committee for 55 years between 1958 and 2012, including 52 years as secretary. Bean was also a dedicated owner-trainer from 1954 to 2006, where he groomed an outstanding pacer Return chamferswinner of 12 Tasmanian races. His lifelong service earned him the Edgar Tatlow Medal in 2008 and induction into the Tasmanian Hall of Fame in 2014.

The day offers entertainment for all ages, from a hole-in-one golf challenge, face painting for the kids to Fashions on the Field, plus a lucky racebook prize with an overnight stay and breakfast at Country Club Tasmania.

If you’re looking for the perfect family outing to welcome the New Year, head to St Marys on January 1. It is a tradition that never disappoints.

Through Gary Newton