The NSW Government has confirmed up to 10,000 double-vaccinated spectators will be able to attend the upcoming Golden Eagle at Rosehill and the Bentley Cup on Melbourne Cup Day at Royal Randwick, creating valuable jobs and giving the economy a major boost.
Minister for Better Regulation and Innovation Kevin Anderson said the Australian Turf Club (ATC) has worked closely with the NSW Government to develop a range of measures to ensure more patrons could be welcomed back safely to Spring Carnival races.
“The people of NSW have done an incredible job rolling up their sleeves and getting vaccinated allowing us to welcome more people back to iconic events and get our economy firing again,” Mr Anderson said.
“Today we are hosting the TAB Everest with 10,000 people and as vaccination numbers increase and restrictions ease, we can confirm the Golden Eagle at Rosehill in Western Sydney, the Bentley Cup on Melbourne Cup Day at Royal Randwick and the remainder of the Spring Racing Carnival can host 10,000 people as long as they adhere to the Public Health Orders.
“The ATC held the Everest and a number of other significant races in front of crowds last year, giving us the confidence they can again do so safely.
“Increasing spectators in a safe and measured way at the races will not only give the economy a much-needed boost but will help support thousands of jobs in communities across NSW.”
All patrons attending the races must be double vaccinated with ATC staff to be checking vaccination status and mandatory QR check-in upon entry.
The ATC will also put in place additional COVID-safe measures on top of the 70 per cent roadmap settings, such as enhanced hygiene measures, defined precincts, and staggered arrival and departure times to reduce crowding.
Australian Turf Club Chairman Matthew McGrath thanked the NSW Government for its support of racing and allowing further spectators to Sydney’s Spring Carnival following lockdown.
“The Australian Turf Club has been working closely with the NSW Government throughout the pandemic and we are thrilled to be opening the gates to more people for the Everest today and for the remainder of the Spring Carnival,” Mr McGrath said.
“Western Sydney is also open for business. Rosehill Gardens will be the centre of the world’s attention as we host the $7.5 million Golden Eagle.
“Sydney and our racing is back open for business during the $50 million Everest Carnival and for a race and event being watched around the world.”
Racing NSW Chairman Russell Balding AO said the thoroughbred racing industry has supported jobs and the NSW economy right throughout the COVID pandemic.
“It is due to the great support of the NSW Government that the NSW Thoroughbred Racing Industry has been able to continue throughout the pandemic and support many thousands of jobs right across NSW,” Mr Balding said.
“Now, during our Spring Carnival we are able to celebrate the gradual return to normality that includes a day out at the races that is such a part of the Australian social fabric.”
