No crowds for Melbourne Cup spring carnival due to coronavirus ban

Flemington’s four-day spring carnival will take place without crowds this year due to government coronavirus restrictions.

The Victoria Racing Club (VRC) said it was prudent to confirm that the carnival, which kicks off on Saturday with Victoria Derby day, will do so without an on-track audience.

The VRC, however, has not completely shut the door that a small number of owners may be able to attend over the week-long celebrations.

VRC chairman Amanda Elliott said the club had worked closely with the authorities over the last few months and had tendered a comprehensive submission to the Victorian government detailing how the VRC could safely host small crowds within government and public health guidelines.

Elliott said: "While we are very disappointed not to be able to welcome our members and racegoers to Cup week, we understand the 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.

The finish to the Melbourne Cup is played out against the city's stunning backdropCredit: Jenny Evans

"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.

"What is certain is the Melbourne Cup carnival will go ahead with viewing audiences watching from across Australia and around the world.

"The spirit of Cup week, the high quality racing and the 160th running of the Cup will be enjoyed by millions. This year’s Cup week experience will be one to remember.

"We have worked closely with our broadcast partner Network 10 to make Melbourne Cup week an unmissable event that you will celebrate from home."

Elliott said the club has attempted to embrace the challenge of no crowds when it is used to hosting more than 300,000 people over the four racedays.

"We’ve introduced a number of off-course initiatives including delicious picnic hampers, our Myer Fashions on your Front Lawn competition, the Lexus Melbourne Cup the Race of Dreams, digital race book, tipping, sweepstakes competitions, trivia games as well as all the background stories to the horses, trainers and jockeys who will compete on the famous Flemington track," she said.

"All of this is available on our new state-of-the-art interactive Cup week website, accessible no matter where you are.

"We will play our part in supporting Victoria’s emergence from this pandemic as Melbourne moves closer to a normal environment over summer.

"The board and entire VRC team look forward to the day that we can once again welcome members and racegoers back to fabulous Flemington."

Watch live races through the Racing Post website. Log in to your bookmaker account via the bookmaker button at the top of the page and look on the racecards for eligible races. Click the red 'Watch live now' icon and they're off! Find out how here