COVID-19 restrictions suggest glamour spring racing carnival will have few, if any, spectators
The odds of getting fans to the racecourse for this year’s spring carnival are looking unlikely – but discussions are still being had about how small crowds could be hosted trackside despite COVID-19 restrictions.
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The possibility of crowds attending the spring carnival remains remote after the Andrews Government indicated major events such as the Melbourne Cup are the “subject of additional work and further consideration.”
The COVID-19 road map does not allow for gathering of 50 people until November 23 – well after the Caulfield Cup, Cox Plate and Melbourne Cup have been run and won.
Racing Minister Martin Pakula said further announcements on possible crowds are expected over the next few months.
“The timing of the spring carnival means that any kind of significant crowds are unlikely in 2020,” Pakula said.
“We will consider bespoke arrangements for major events – including the carnival – and to that end, government will work with the racing industry and the Chief Health Officer about what options might be feasible and safe over the next three months.”
While the Victoria Racing Club remains optimistic and flexible about hosting crowds, other clubs are resigned to spectator-free events.
Premier Andrews said current modelling meant restrictions had to be extended and he would not compromise the state’s COVID-19 strategy to allow owners and punters back on course during the spring carnival.
“The events will still go on. The question is whether there will be people on site watching it,” he said.
“That will be to ensure that it’s safe.
“Compromising the strategy for a day at the races for 5000 people or 25,000 people is not worth it. It’s just not worth it.
“As much as I respect the contribution that sector makes, we have got to do it safe.
“While we can give people a sense of crowds, we do want to have a specific look at a number of major events that are brand, jobs, it’s all of those things.
“It’s a little bit too early to have a definitive number and to be yes or no.
“The key point is to just work through that in a steady way, never compromising the strategy, never doing anything other than following the advice.
“I know people want certainty, particularly those who run those events. We are taking that off line, if you like.”
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