The world famous Oakbank Easter Carnival to jump in front of no crowds in 2020
The coronavirus pandemic forced changes in another prominent South Australian sporting event, with the 2020 Oakbank Easter Racing Carnival set to be ran in front of no spectators.
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The 2020 Oakbank Easter Racing Carnival will be spectator free.
South Australian thoroughbred racing officials have been forced to make the difficult decision while all racing activities in SA will be no-spectator events for the foreseeable future.
Australia’s largest picnic race meeting is the latest to fall victim to the strict restrictions in place with the continued spread of coronavirus (COVID-19).
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Thoroughbred Racing SA officials met with the Oakbank Racing Club on Monday night and were left with little option but to continue but without the 30,000 punters who were expected in the Adelaide Hills over the newly shaped three-day carnival spanning eight days.
Oakbank has been a South Australian racing institution held annually since 1876, while it was moved to Victoria Park and Morphettville during World War II.
Oakbank Racing Cub Chair Arabella Branson said it was “a very difficult decision to make, but the right one under the circumstances”.
“We have more than 140 years of history and tradition of racing at Oakbank and we’re a big part of the South Australian and Adelaide Hills tourism story,’’ Branson said.
“We’re obviously saddened, not only for the 30,000 people who should be coming for the carnival but also because of the flow on effects it will have on businesses that support the vent.
“However the races will so – that’s a positive. It’s a shame the crowd won’t be there to see but this is a problem being faced across the industry,’’ she said.
TRSA has scheduled a Christmas Twilight meeting at Oakbank on December 23 to offset what looms as a disaster for the club.
All SA race meetings from Wednesday night will be restricted to essential acing personal which includes, stewards, veterinarians, trainers, jockeys and stable hands along with essential track staff.
“This is an unprecedented move, but in order to protect the 3600-plus jobs thoroughbred racing provides across the state, these are the actions we feel necessary to take at this time,’’ TRSA CEO Nick Redin said.
‘The restriction will remain in place until further notice and TRSA will continue to monitor the situation in conjunction with the Racing Minister’s Office and Public Health Officials.
“Everything we are doing is in the best interest of the health of the participants and we are committed to keeping people informed as much as possible during what is a very challenging time for everyone,’’ he said.
Racing officials have also cancelled the 2020 Streaky Bay Cup on March 28, while the Kimba Cup (at Port Lincoln) will be run but without crowds.
Clare’s hugely popular Easter Saturday meeting, the Penola Cup and Gawler on Easter Monday will also race under the strict restrictions.
“We appreciate this decision will affect many people and we apologise for the inconvenience but the Streaky Bay Race Club’s ultimate position is to protect the community and it’s visitors and we feel this is the best decision for everyone,’’ the cub said in a statement.
All industry participants will be required to have the ID cards to access race meetings and will be required to leave the racecourse after their horses have competed in respective races.