The Victoria Racing Club is still holding out hope of having a crowd at the Melbourne Cup
The Melbourne Cup will go ahead with or without crowds this year, but the Victoria Racing Club says there is still a glimmer of hope for the race that might restart the nation.
Confidential
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The Melbourne Cup will go ahead and the door hasn’t been shut on having crowds at Flemington despite Sunday’s announcement of a lengthy road map out of lockdown.
The Victoria Racing Club is still holding out hope that punters will be allowed trackside and has been planning to accommodate all possible scenarios.
New guidelines now say public gatherings of up to 10 people outdoors will be allowed in the third step where the threshold has been met, and up to 50 people outdoors by November 23.
VRC Chief Executive Officer Neil Wilson said despite the real prospect of having no crowds, there was still some optimism.
“We note that in its COVID-19 roadmap to recovery, the Victorian Government has advised
that crowds for major events, including the Melbourne Cup Carnival, will be subject to further
consideration and planning,’’ Mr Wilson said.
“The Victoria Racing Club (VRC) has been preparing for a number of different scenarios for
the Melbourne Cup Carnival since the threat of COVID-19 first emerged, including the
possibility of no or reduced crowds.
“We are in regular discussions with the Victorian Government and Racing Victoria about our
planning including how we can stage a COVIDSafe event, and we will continue to engage
closely with all stakeholders including our partners and suppliers as the Melbourne Cup
Carnival draws closer.
“Although there is uncertainty around whether small crowds will be able to attend Flemington
Racecourse, what is certain is that the 2020 Lexus Melbourne Cup will take place on the first
Tuesday in November.
“The Melbourne Cup Carnival reaches a global audience of over 750 million and this year’s
broadcast and digital platforms take on an even greater significance. We are focusing on
delivering an exceptional at home experience that ensures everyone can share in the magic
of Cup Week, regardless of where they are watching or restrictions that may be in place.”
In the Herald Sun on Tuesday it was revealed The Boxing Day Test is set to be announced at the MCG this year, despite the Victorian Government’s road map appearing to put a line through Melbourne’s chances of hosting cricket’s showpiece Test.
Cricket Australia is set to announce its Indian Test schedule with Melbourne still a key part of the fixture.
It’s understood the Victorian government is viewing the Spring Racing carnival, the Boxing Day Test and the Australian Open tennis as special events it wants to salvage.