No crowds for 2020 Melbourne Cup

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.