No crowds for 2020 Melbourne Cup

October 27, 2020

The Victorian Racing Club (VRC) have announced that the four-day Melbourne Cup Carnival will proceed at Flemington Racecourse this year without live spectators as of 3rd November.

Despite the easing of Melbourne’s lockdown restrictions, VRC Chairman, Amanda Elliot advised yesterday that no spectators will be allowed at Flemington for the four-day festival of racing, even though the VRC had put forward a comprehensive submission to the Victorian Government detailing how the event could be safely hosted with smaller crowds.

Elliot stated “while we are very disappointed not to be able to welcome our members and racegoers to cup week, we understand the (Victorian) Government’s commitment to keeping our community safe.

“We also recognise the need for certainty and clarity for our patrons, being only six days out from Derby Day.

“We are still in discussions regarding the potential return to the track for a small number of owners, as is currently permitted in regional Victoria.”

Elliot went on to advise that the Melbourne Cup would be viewed by TV audiences “from across Australia and around the world”, adding “we will play our part in supporting Victoria’s emergence from this pandemic as Melbourne moves closer to a normal environment over summer.”

She also noted "the spirit of Cup Week, the high quality racing and the 160th running of the People's Cup will be enjoyed by millions.

"This year's Cup Week experience will be one to remember. We have worked very closely with our broadcast partner Network 10, to make Melbourne Cup week an unmissable event that you will celebrate from home."

Last week the Victorian Government announced a limited number of owners would be allowed to Moonee Valley for Saturday's Cox Plate meeting, before backtracking on the decision.

The carnival, comprising Victoria Derby Day, Melbourne Cup Day, Oaks Day and Mackinnon Stakes Day, traditionally sees big crowds head to the Flemington Racecourse, including up to 100,000 on Cup day.

27th October 2020 - Victoria Premier Daniel Andrews says Melbourne’s Coronavirus restrictions will ease from Wednesday morning

26th October 2020 - Victoria’s decimated Tourism Economy needs State Government funding of $1.3 billion

23rd October 2020 - Victorian tourism industry unites in aim to drive reopening of visitor economy

7th October 2020 - Victorian Government delivers $7.85 million to support arts and cultural organisations

20th September 2020 - Live music venues to benefit industry from $13 million Victorian Government support package

15th September 2020 - Easing of Coronavirus restrictions in regional Victoria to allow resumption of outdoor activities and dining

11th September 2020 - Victorian Government plans look at venues reopening from 26th October

2nd September 2020 - Victorian Government announces funding support for Melbourne’s sports clubs and national sporting organisations

5th March 2019 - $1.56 million upgrade for Flemington Training Track

1st October 2020 - Global sports survey shows impact of COVID-19 pandemic

20th May 2020 - Global sports sponsorship market predicted to fall by 37% this year

1st May 2020 - Coronavirus has multi-billion dollar negative impact on global sport

4th November 2019 - Gambling revenues set to fall for 2019 Melbourne Cup

21st September 2019 - Taylor Swift cancels Melbourne Cup performance amid animal rights criticism

6th November 2018 - New Club Stand at Flemington Racecourse Opens for 2018 Melbourne Cup Carnival week

7th November 2017 - Gamblers urged to watch out for Melbourne Cup scams

3rd November 2015 - Melbourne Cup and Emirates long term sponsorship generates impressive public awareness

4th November 2014 - Melbourne Cup marks massive peak in Australians gambling on horse racing

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