The Victorian State Government Roadmap out of COVID lockdown has left the Melbourne Racing Club with little alternative but to run the Caulfield Cup without spectators.
The State Government announced on Sunday that crowds at public events cannot be held in metropolitan Melbourne prior to October 26, well after the Caulfield CupĀ CarnivalĀ that runs from October 9 to 16.
Last year’s Caulfield Cup carnivalĀ over three race daysĀ was run without spectators on course and the MRC was hoping to haveĀ MembersĀ on course this year.
The location change forĀ theĀ Zipping ClassicĀ meetingĀ to Caulfield in late November is looking a likely target forĀ theĀ MRC to welcome Members and spectators on course.
“It’s obviously disappointing we can’t have ourĀ MembersĀ and fans on course for another Carnival,” MRC Chief Executive JoshĀ BlanksbyĀ said.
“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 will continue to work closely with the Department of Health and Human Services to bring Members and racing fans back on track as soon as possible.
TheĀ MRCĀ is no stranger to conductingĀ theirĀ 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.
