For milliner Neil Grigg, who usually counts the racing season as his busiest time of year, the news that the Everest Cup was to increase its capacity from 5000 guests to 10,000 at the start of the week was an extremely welcome development.

“It’s much, much quieter this year, unfortunately,” Mr Grigg said. “I have been sending hats to Queensland and other open states because there are still weddings and events there. But not in the same number as previous years.”