NSW government gives green light for The Everest to have 5000 fans at Royal Randwick

The NSW government has given the green light for a major event to go ahead in what could mark normal life resuming for locked down Sydneysiders.

Deputy Premier John Barilaro has given the green light for horse racing to return days after NSW opens up with The Everest to welcome thousands of spectators on October 16.

The NSW Government has confirmed Royal Randwick will host 5000 vaccinated spectators for the $15 million race on Saturday October 16.

The state is on track to have 70 per cent of the eligible population fully vaccinated on October 6, according to vaccine tracking website covidlive.

On the Monday after 70 per cent of NSW residents are vaccinated, October 11, several restrictions are set to be eased.

About 61.7 per cent of NSW residents have had both doses of a Covid-19 vaccine while 86.2 per cent have had at least one jab.

“Getting crowds back at major events is a big part of the NSW government’s reopening NSW road map, and after months of following the sport from the couch, I know fans are looking forward to cheering on the world’s fastest horses in the flesh,” Mr Barilaro said.

“In NSW we are hitting our vaccination targets ahead of schedule, which means The Everest will be Sydney’s first major sporting event with fans in attendance, as we emerge from lockdown.”

Royal Randwick Racecourse will have fans at The Everest on October 16. Picture: Mark Evans/Getty Images

Minister responsible for racing Kevin Anderson said the sport contributed $3.5 billion annually to the NSW economy and employed almost 14,000 people in metropolitan and regional NSW.

He said an early proposal to the government from Australian Turf Club to host the race was how it was able to be confirmed.

“The prospect of having crowds trackside at Royal Randwick for the world’s richest race on turf is very exciting,” Mr Anderson said of The Everest.

“The Australian Turf Club brought a proposal to the NSW Government earlier this month to update us on how they will conduct the event in a Covid-safe way and I know they are eager to welcome fans trackside with open arms.”

On October 11, when NSW is projected to reach the 70 per cent vaccination target, several freedoms are set to resume for those who have had two jabs such as pubs, retail stores and gyms reopening.

Step two will be triggered on the Monday after 80 per cent of NSW residents have had two shots.

That goal could be reached as soon as October 15, meaning October 18 would be when fully vaccinated people will have access to more freedoms.

Originally published as NSW government gives green light for The Everest to have 5000 fans at Royal Randwick