For the second consecutive year the 2021 Carlton Draught Caulfield Cup Carnival will proceed without spectators the Melbourne Racing Club has announced today.
The confirmation comes as the indicative dates specified in the State Government Roadmap yesterday do not allow for public events to be held in metropolitan Melbourne prior to Tuesday 26 October, well after the running of the Carlton Draught Caulfield Cup Carnival (Saturday 9 – 16 October).
The location change for Zipping Classic Race Day to Caulfield in late November is looking a likely target for MRC to welcome Members and spectators on course.
As MRC Members are unable to attend Carnival due to COVID restrictions, the Club will enact their previously announced Membership Guarantee, allowing all renewed and new Members who sign up before 30 September 2021 to apply for a 50% rebate on their Membership fees for the season.
The Club is no stranger to conducting Carnival behind closed doors, with a raft of Carnival initiatives already in place and others in the works to keep Members and spectators engaged away from the track.
Special edition Carnival Super Boxes will be launched next week with unique menus for the Club’s three marquee days and Members’ names will be emblazoned on the Saddle Cloths of the horses running in the $5m Carlton Draught Caulfield Cup so that Members will be present in spirit, if not in person.
A three-part series with some of racing’s most exciting talent kicks off this Thursday 23 September, exclusive giveaways for Members with a range of prizes, and the Club’s LIVE Blog will take everyone behind the scenes this 2021 Carlton Draught Caulfield Cup Carnival.
“It’s obviously disappointing we can’t have our Members and fans on course for another Carnival,” said MRC CEO Josh Blanksby.
“We are looking forward to the day where we reopen our gates and hope to be in a good position to welcome spectators on course for the new Zipping Classic Race Day at Caulfield in late November.”
The Club continues to work closely with the Department of Health and Human Services to bring Members and racing fans back on track as soon as possible.
