Owners along with race club members will need to wait a little longer before being allowed back on course in Victoria.
The Australian Turf Club on Wednesday announced it would allow owners back on track to watch their horses run at Randwick on Saturday under the first phase of a return of crowds to Sydney racing.
Joining Randwick on Saturday will be crowds on track in Darwin and Perth on Saturday.
Racing Victoria is working with the race clubs and the Victorian state government in the hope of having something formalised within the next two weeks ahead of some form of crowd return on track in July.
Crowds have not been on-course in Victoria since March 14.
Currently in Victoria only 20 customers are able to be seated in restaurants, cafes and pubs while up to 50 people are allowed in those establishments in NSW.
That ruling in Victoria remains until at least June 22 with the state government to review that with health authorities.
“Whilst we are keen to get owners and members in particular back on track as soon as possible, we will be taking a cautious approach to ensure that it doesn’t compromise the safe continuation of racing in any way,” a RV spokesman said.
“We are mindful that the number of new cases and the rules around social restrictions are different in Victoria to other states.
“Our framework is being built on the circumstances here in Victoria and at this time that means it’s unlikely that we’ll be welcoming anyone back to the track before July.
“If we can do so beforehand, it will be a bonus.”
