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 Cup Carnival that runs from October 9 to 16.
Last year’s Caulfield Cup carnival over three race days was run without spectators on course and the MRC was hoping to have Members on course this year.
The location change for the Zipping Classic meeting to Caulfield in late November is looking a likely target for the MRC to welcome Members and spectators on course.
“It’s obviously disappointing we can’t have our Members and fans on course for another Carnival,” MRC Chief Executive Josh Blanksby 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.
The MRC is no stranger to conducting their 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.
