AS editor of Racing and Sports Chris Scholtz has earned a reputation as one of Australia's most respected racing journalists and form analysts.

His visits to Tasmania in recent times during the state's TSRC have left a lasting impression.

Chris is a straight shooting scribe so his testimonial on Tasmania's carnival comes straight from the hip, as he writes:

It only takes one visit to understand why Tasmania's summer racing carnival holds a worthy place beside any major racing event in Australia.

Once done, I can assure you annual return visits become almost mandatory to experience one of the nation's most pleasurable and fastest growing carnivals.

From afar it is easy to see the excellent feature race prizemoney offered over the month-long carnival is stimulating ever-increasing support from leading mainland stables.

Participation from the likes of Gai Waterhouse, Peter Moody, Lee Freedman, David Hayes and Robert Smerdon - who invariably have their horses ridden by some of Australia's best jockeys - is underpinning the rise of Tasmania's feature races as events that command nationwide attention.

It's also evident that the backing of committed corporate sponsors and the Tasmanian Government have played their part in the successful growth of the summer carnival and its many varied social events.

These are obvious aspects of the carnival's growing success - its intrinsic appeal lies in Tasmania itself and the Apple Isle's reputation as one of Australia's best tourist destinations.

Combine top class racing and hospitality with Tasmania's many attractions and you get a racing holiday experience that is unique among Australia's major events.

Tasmania's carnival now has a special niche on the racing calendar and can only continue its rise with the growing involvement of big name interstate players and committed local support.