Vaxxed punters could set pace for major events

A “no jab, no entry” policy is being touted for a major racing event as a test case for allowing vaccinated Victorians to attend big events.

Moonee Valley Racing Club has proposed to trial a “no jab, no entry” policy. Picture: Alex Coppel.

Spectators who have been fully vaccinated could be allowed to attend next month’s Cox Plate under a pilot program to welcome fans back to Victorian sporting events.

Moonee Valley Racing Club is bidding to make the Cox Plate the first major sporting event in Melbourne to welcome crowds back if they have been double jabbed.

A “no jab, no entry’’ policy is being considered for the October 23 race in a move that could offer the blueprint to getting fans back to events such as the Boxing Day Test, Australian Open and Melbourne Grand Prix.

Racing chiefs are in talks with the state government as the peak of Victoria’s iconic spring racing carnival approaches, hoping to avoid spectators being locked out for a second straight year.

Moonee Valley Racing Club chief executive Michael Browell told the Sunday Herald Sun the Cox Plate could be the first event in Victoria that allowed entry only to people with a vaccine passport.

“I think realistically, if we were able to move forward under that model, it would be 3000 to 5000 people spread across the course in various zones,’’ he said.

“We just need to see how it tracks in the next couple of weeks in terms of case numbers and if government are willing to open things up a bit.’’

While crowds of up to 38,000 have traditionally packed The Valley for the race, Mr Browell said general admission sales were unlikely for this year’s event with Victoria in lockdown until at least September 23.

Capacity crowds at the test match between England and India at The Kia Oval in London on September 3.

Full capacity crowds are also welcome at English Premier League matches.

But if the government approved the vaccine passport model, limited crowds could be granted entry.

“We’re taking a wait-and-see approach and we’ll see what happens September 23 and then whether or not the government wants to embrace this double vax pilot scheme for these events,’’ he said.

“And if they do, we would be able to mobilise pretty quickly to put that into place.''

It comes as Sydney racegoers are set to flock to Royal Randwick for The Everest next month under a plan which would see race fans masked, mainly outside and placing their bets from their seats.

Soccer fans in NSW are also set to return, with those who have been double-jabbed able to watch the Socceroos take on Oman on October 7.

Capacity crowds have flocked to the US Open in New York this month, with fans needing to prove they are vaccinated or Covid-free before entering.

Full crowds were this week allowed at The Oval in England for its match against India, with no proof of vaccination, negative COVID-19 status or even masks required.

And college football fans packed stadiums in the US, with Virginia Tech beating North Carolina in front of a full house.

Sports and Racing Minister Martin Pakula said the Valley’s vaccine passport proposal would be considered.

“We’ll continue to talk to Moonee Valley and other clubs about what may be possible in terms of crowds for the carnival,’’ he said.

“Ultimately clubs will submit Covid safe plans and they will be assessed by the public health team based on the epidemiological conditions at the time.”

Mr Browell said members and owners – locked out of the event last year after a government backflip – would be among the first offered admittance with proof of vaccination.

“The Covid-zero approach would given us zero chance of having a crowd but now the government is taking a different strategy forward and if we can keep those vaccination rates up, it does give us a chance,’’ he said.

“In late October, early November we might see some level of crowds returning to these events.’’

He said strict density limits would apply indoors and out, and be set by the government.

“But the whole double vaccine passport test pilot scheme they are making noises about, we could certainly help kick that off.’’

The Herald Sun this week revealed the Victoria Racing Club had submitted revised Covid-safe plans with the government, hoping for limited fans at Flemington for the Melbourne Cup Carnival.

SPORTS CROWDS AROUND THE WORLD

* AFL finals at Optus Stadium: Up to 60,000

*English Premier League: Full capacity. Fans expected to be vaccinated or show negative Covid-19 test

* US Open tennis: Full capacity. Proof of vaccination, negative test required

*English cricket matches: Capacity crowds

* Euro 2020 soccer: 10,000 to 60,000

*Major League Baseball: A sellout crowd of 52,078 attended a game at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles in May

* The Indianapolis 500: About 135,000 tickets sold

* Wimbledon tennis: Capacity crowds allowed at quarterfinals to finals. Proof of Covid-19 vaccination status required.