The Melbourne Racing Club this afternoon has been granted permission to host crowds of up to 15,000 on track for its upcoming Summer features.
The improved race day experience comes ahead of the return of Group 1 racing, beginning this Saturday for C.F. Orr Stakes Family Day and continuing for Neds Blue Diamond Stakes Day on Saturday 20 February.
Melbourne Racing Club has been operating on a reduced and socially distanced spectator model of up to 5,000 people since crowds returned to tracks in December.
Under the new restrictions confirmed by the government, Caulfield Racecourse will be split into three zones with up to 5,000 allowed in each zone. Racegoers will be able to register or buy tickets to reserve their seat, with increased freedom to move about within their zones that wasn’t possible under earlier restrictions.
“We are thrilled to have capacity restrictions eased ahead of our great Group 1 features this month,” Melbourne Racing Club Chief Executive Officer Josh Blanksby said.
“We have loved having Members and small crowds back at our racecourses after almost ten months of racing to no crowds, however, the operating model has been challenging. We are confident that from Saturday, the improved experience will balance safety for our guests while allowing them to enjoy a more familiar race day experience.
“We are looking forward to getting back to doing what we do best: great hospitality and top-notch racing, just in time for the most fun day on our racing calendar, C.F. Orr Stakes Family Day this Saturday.”
MRC Members yet to renew their Membership for the remainder of the 20/21 are encouraged to do so ahead of Saturday to make the most of the greater capacities across the Members Reserve venues and the fantastic Members bars and restaurants.
New Members are also encouraged to make the most of the special Members offer of $199 for the next six months, which includes access to the Members Reserve for the remainder for the season.
Tickets and Members registrations for C.F. Orr Stakes Family Day can be made via mrc.racing.com.
Tickets, dining and Members registrations for Neds.com.au Blue Diamond Stakes Day will go on sale on Wednesday 3 February.
