The All-Star Mile meeting at Caulfield will be a no go zone for spectators with only necessary stakeholders, officials. media and broadcasters in attendance despite the federal and state governments advising on Friday they would move to restrict public gatherings of over 500 people from Monday.
The decision to turn the public away from Caulfield threatened the All-Star Mile participation of the star 3-year-old Alligator Blood (All Too Hard) with managing owner Allan Endresz upset his terminally ill wife Joy and numerous other family and friends wouldn’t be able to attend.
An amiable outcome was reached with the club’s offer of a function room for the Endresz entourage close to, but not on the track, accepted.
The Melbourne Racing Club said it had consulted with Racing Victoria before deciding to take extra precautions to proceed with the All-Star Mile day without spectators.
“Only persons essential to the operations of the race meeting will be admitted into the racecourse,” it said in a statement.
“This decision has been taken to ensure the safety of our members, patrons, participants and staff. General admission pre-purchased ticket holders will receive a full refund. Hospitality clients will be offered credit or refund.
“We apologise for the disappointment this will cause fans, however the safety of our participants, patrons and staff is paramount.”
“We apologise for the disappointment this will cause fans, however the safety of our participants, patrons and staff is paramount.” – MRC
Racegoers were also banned from Friday evening’s meeting at The Valley.
“The decision to proceed without members, owners and racegoers was taken in light of the increased concern over the transmission of COVID-19," the club said. “The health and well-being of the broader community need to be our priority at this point in time.”
However, the G1 Coolmore Classic day at Rosehill will go ahead without restriction with Racing New South Wales following the Commonwealth and New South Wales Governments directive to ban public gatherings of 500 or more people from next Monday.
Last year's G1 Coolmore Classic winner Dixie Blossoms
“In accordance with advice from the Federal Government and the Chief Medical Officer, the Rosehill Gardens meeting will proceed and be open to all spectators,” the ATC said.
“The Australian Turf Club’s first priority remains the safety and health of all attendees and staff. Additional hygiene measures will be implemented at Rosehill Gardens for the health and wellbeing of all on course."
Further afield, the coronavirus has forced the Dubai World Cup meeting to be staged without any public participation, North American racing officials have made similar moves, all meetings in Ireland will be spectator-free for the rest of the month while racing in Japan and Hong Kong is also being held with restrictions.
Spectators barred
The Emirates Racing Authority has confirmed the Dubai World Cup meeting, the world’s richest day of racing, on March 28 will be closed to the public.
All related Dubai World Cup events, including the barrier draw on March 25, Breakfast with the Stars the following day and the Welcome Reception day have been cancelled.
Competitor’s connections, racing officials, accredited media and sponsors will be permitted entry to the racecourse.
Gates closed
With escalating fears over the spread of the coronavirus, racing will continue in the United States, but without the public at racetracks.
Santa Anita Park, Golden Gate Fields, Aqueduct, Turfway Park, Laurel Park and Gulfstream Park will continue to race, but all will be closed to the public.
“We are responding accordingly for the protection of our customers and employees,” said The Stronach Group’s Aidan Butler.
“Much like other sports which have chosen to play without spectators, we will race with the personnel necessary to ensure the safety of the horses and the integrity of the sport. It is in everyone’s best interest to take these steps and we appreciate everyone’s understanding of this unique situation.”
Ban call heeded
The announcement that Aqueduct would hold races without fans in attendance followed a call by New York Governor Andrew Cuomo to ban gatherings of 500 or more people.
“We believe that the most prudent decision to protect the health and well-being of all involved in our sport is to conduct upcoming race dates without attendees,” said New York Racing Association Chief Executive Officer and President Dave O’Rourke said.
“We believe that the most prudent decision to protect the health and well-being of all involved in our sport is to conduct upcoming race dates without attendees." - Dave O’Rourke
“NYRA will continue to actively monitor this evolving situation and make further adjustments as necessary in consultation and collaboration with the New York State Gaming Commission.”
The remainder of Turfway Park’s winter and spring meeting will be conducted spectator-free with only essential staff, horsemen, owners, and limited friends and family and media in attendance, Churchill Downs Incorporated announced on Thursday.
However, the company said plans for its signature event, the G1 Kentucky Derby, are still going forward. With the event still seven weeks away, a decision will be made closer to that time, with respect to postponing the event until later in the year.
Sale cancelled
The coronavirus pandemic has also forced Keeneland to cancel its 2020 April 2-Year-Olds in Training and Horses of Racing Age Sale scheduled for Tuesday, April 7.
“While our horsemen and fans are certainly disappointed about us having to take these measures, it is critical to protect the health and safety of our patrons, employees and participants from the spread of COVID-19,” Keeneland President and CEO Bill Thomason said.
Meanwhile, Keeneland’s spring race meeting will open on April 2 and will be conducted without spectators and, following consultation with government officials and relevant health authorities, consideration will be given to re-opening for spectators on April 15.
