VRC pushes for owners to be at Melbourne Cup Carnival
After their hopes to have crowds at the Melbourne Cup carnival were dashed, the Victorian Racing Club is making a new push to allow owners return to Flemington and cheer on their horses.
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THE Victorian Racing Club is pushing for owners to return to Flemington to watch their horses run during Melbourne Cup Carnival.
VRC chairman Amanda Elliott told the Herald Sun on Tuesday: “We are moving into the greatest sporting week, certainly racing week in Australia, and probably the world. The grounds, and the track looks absolutely spectacular. It’s really sad that we haven’t got hundreds of thousands of people coming to enjoy it all.”
Crowds will not be allowed to attend Melbourne Cup Carnival at Flemington due to COVID-19 restrictions.
But Ms Elliott said: “We’re having discussions with the health authorities and the government on the ability for some of the owners to come and watch their horses run. It’s such a big thrill for them and they are absolutely central to what we do here. They are part of the equation, they are absolutely so important. If we don’t have owners, we don’t have racing.”
Meanwhile, Melbourne Cup Carnival celebrations will move into a virtual space.
“We’ve got Cup week at home, which will be a different experience, and one we don’t want to repeat,” Ms Elliott said.
Earlier on Tuesday, in speech the Melbourne Cup Carnival media launch, Ms Elliott said: “2020 has been an extraordinary year; so tough for so many people in so many ways.
“We remain grateful, that through it all, racing has continued, providing enjoyment, support of jobs and a welcome distraction for many. But we are so disappointed that this year, hundreds of thousands of spectators are unable to enjoy all of this.
She added: “We are still in discussions for a return to the track for a small number of racing connections, and you’ve have to think after yesterday’s easing of restrictions, that becomes more likely.
“We certainly look forward to the day when we can welcome everyone back to Flemington racecourse.”
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