Successful Australian Entrepreneur Matt Tripp was the special guest at the 2021 Carbine Club Tasmania Derby Day Luncheon on Friday February 5.

A crowd of 200 packed the Elwick Racecourse Function Centre for the annual marquee event which preceded the Schweppes Tasmanian Derby Day Race meeting - one of the biggest days on the local racing calendar.

Carbine Club President Steve Adermann interviewed Mr. Tripp who spoke of his life long connection with racing and bookmaking. The stories from his younger days of growing up in a household where his father was an illegal SP Bookie included recollections of police raids and moving out of Melbourne to avoid prosecution. Matt also spoke of the business he and his father ran in Vanuatu, the rise in popularity of fixed odds betting and the purchase and sale of many well known betting businesses including SportsBet, BetEasy, William Hill & CrownBet. His business journey included deals and friendships with famous people like James Packer, Peter V'landys, Lloyd Williams, Ricky Ponting & Lachlan Murdoch. The discussion also touched on the moments in 2008 when he thought the horse which he part owned, had won the Melbourne Cup. Despite recording a faster time than the winner, 'Bauer' was eventually declared runner-up to 'Viewed' after the closest ever finish in the great race. Matt Tripp spoke about his association with the reigning NRL Premiers, and how he became an owner and President of the Melbourne Storm Rugby League Club.    

Many of the Carbine Club Tasmania members and their guests commented on how interesting and informative they found the interview with some suggesting he was the best guest they'd heard speak at a club function. Club Member Phil Collidge thanked Mr. Tripp for his appearance and presented him with a bottle of Remnant Tasmanian Single Malt Whisky in appreciation.

Earlier in the day, Carbine Club Tasmania President Steve Adermann had the honour of making two presentations. The first was to young Tasmanian Motorcross Rider Cooper Ford who received sponsorship to help him continue competing at a national level in the 65cc & 85cc divisions of his sport. Cooper has recently won back to back Australian titles, and has already started his 2021 campaign with two wins from two starts. The second presentation was a club tie, name badge and lapel pin to the newest Carbine Club Tasmania member Hank Petrusma. Hank is well known & respected in the Tasmanian Real Estate industry and contributes much of his time helping community and sporting groups. 

During his remarks in the President's welcome, Mr Adermann acknowledged the Australia Day honour bestowed on Club Secretary Ross Burridge. Ross was appointed as a member of the Order of Australia for his outstanding service over three decades to Little Athletics and the Tasmanian Racing Industry. Attendees also learned that Tasmanian Premier & Treasurer Peter Gutwein had accepted an invitation to become a Special Member of the Carbine Club Tasmania.