Melbourne Cup 2020: Trainer Gai Waterhouse lashes Dan Andrews’ decision to ban crowds

Racing royalty has slammed the decision by Daniel Andrews to ban crowds at this year’s Melbourne Cup.

2 min read

November 3, 2020 - 2:11PM

Melbourne Cup

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The queen of racing says the country has been “cut off at the knees” by Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews’ decision to ban crowds at the Melbourne Cup.

Horse trainer Gai Waterhouse slammed Mr Andrews’ decision in a fiery radio interview today, saying the move was “ridiculous”.

“The Premier there should wake up and let people go on with their business,” the Sydneysider told 2GB.

Ms Waterhouse usually attends the Melbourne Cup but does not have a horse in the race this year.

“The state will go broke the way they are going,” she said. “We have to get on with it.

“By all means social distance … but you can’t have the country cut off at the knees.”

“People can keep their space, wash their hands, wear masks if they want to.”

Trainer Gai Waterhouse has hit out at Dan Andrews’ decision to ban crowds at the Melbourne Cup. Picture: Stefan Postles/AAP

Mr Andrews has copped a wrath of criticism during the coronavirus pandemic. Picture: Penny Stephens

Today’s edition of the race that stops a nation is going to be unlike anything we’ve ever seen as the $8 million dash plays out in front of empty grandstands.

Victoria has been hit hardest of any state in Australia by the COVID pandemic and in one final kick in the guts the absence of a crowd at Flemington is set to hand a huge advantage to the international raiders looking to continue their dominance of the event after Vow and Declare’s win for Australia last year.

They’re already considered two of the best chances to win the race and Anthony Van Dyck and Tiger Moth can go about their business in relative peace and quiet.

Flemington racecourse looks very different this year without any crowds. Picture: Aaron Francis

Melbourne Cup-winning jockey Corey Brown, who has backed Anthony Van Dyck to win the race, said the empty racecourse was a huge advantage for the international raiders.

“This goes for all the European horses – they’re getting a big benefit from the fact there’s no crowd,” Brown wrote for foxsports.com.au.

“Quite often they can get very stirred up by the big atmosphere on Cup Day, and can lose their race before it’s run. That won’t be the case for the Covid Cup.”

Six-time Melbourne Cup winning owner Lloyd Williams agreed, saying it would be of extra benefit to inexperienced horses like betting favourite Tiger Moth.

“They’ve played into his hands this year. There’s no crowds there, so for an inexperienced horse he’s not going to face 100,000 people in the mounting yard,” Williams told RadioTAB.

“If (jockey Kerrin) McEvoy gives him a good ride, he’ll be hard to beat. I’d love to own him.

“Provided nothing goes wrong with this horse over the next 12 months, you’ll hear a lot of him.”

If you’re still looking for a winner, here’s our comprehensive runner-by-runner guide, if you need a free downloadable sweep you can find it here, or if you’re just up for a laugh, check out these revealing photos from previous years.