Melbourne Cup Day a success for Morphettville Racecourse

Despite a much smaller attendance than normal, Morphettville Racecourse has deemed its Melbourne Cup Day event a success.

Morphettville Racecourse’s Melbourne Cup celebrations have been deemed a success despite low numbers. Picture: Asanka Ratnayake/Getty Images

The frocks and fascinators were out in force at Morphettville Racecourse’s successful COVID-safe Melbourne Cup Day.

Not even a global pandemic could stop the glitz and the glamour of the day with bright colours and patterned dresses being a favourite among women.

The men took a more laid back approach with many sporting chinos with plain coloured shirts with some braving the 34C heat in suit jackets.

Sarah Bennett at the Melbourne Cup event at Morphettville racecourse. Picture: Tom Huntley

Despite the fashion remaining as classy as previous years, this year’s race that stopped the nation did look a little different.

Bookings on the lawn for the general admission patrons were separated with white fencing and rope, with seats placed under umbrellas to try keep out of the hot sun.

In corporate areas, groups were all seated at tables.

Shannen Graham said she had been to many events at Morphettville Racecourse but noticed this year’s crowd was much smaller than usual.

She said the coronavirus was not a concern of hers but was more excited to get dressed up and out of the house.

The socially distant Melbourne Cup event at Morphettville racecourse. Picture: Tom Huntley

“I’ve noticed COVID marshals are making sure things are clean and people are social distancing so I think they’re doing a god job to make us feel comfortable,” the 27-year-old said.

“They’ve (the SAJC) done a great job in maintaining the standard of the rooms and functions.

“It is a bit weird having to stay in your one area and not mingle with the crowd and meet new people which is something I enjoy doing.”

Shellie Rowse — who won a trifecta on the race — travelled to Melbourne for last year’s event but said she’d return to Morphettville Racecourse next year because she thoroughly enjoyed the day.

“It’s a great atmosphere to be with friends to have a lovely day,” she said.

“It is a bit weird but we’re still very lucky in SA and we appreciate everyone is doing the right thing.”

Austin Roth, Elle Polkinghorne and Kyle Williams braved the heat for the Melbourne Cup. Picture: Tom Huntley

Kyle Williams said while there was a lower attendance than usual, “the horses go around just the same”.

“We’re very happy to be back out on the track, with friends, having a drink — it’s the new normal.”

At this year’s event, there were 2500 patrons; a large decrease from the 6000 people who attended in 2019.

But South Australian Jockey Club CEO Grant Mayer deemed the event a success despite the smaller than normal crowd size.

With Melbourne Cup Day historically being one of the SAJC’s biggest race days, Mr Mayer said they still made a profit with less than half the crowd.

Groups were separated on the lawns at Morphettville Racecourse. Picture: Tom Huntley

“Our return is certainly down but we continue to ensure that we run all our events in a financially responsible manner,” he said.

“Running any event certainly has its challenges but with very clear directives in place from SA Health, we are very comfortable with our obligations.

“Our Members have been exceptionally supportive despite numerous changes along the journey to how we operate the events but I genuinely feel that people are exceptionally supportive of the changes we have made.

“Day to day life is different due to COVID and running events like this is simply an extension of the new normal.”