More people will be able to attend Sydney’s major Spring Racing Carnival events after the NSW Government accepted health advice for The Everest (Randwick 17 October), The Golden Eagle (Rosehill 31 October) and Cup Day (Randwick 3 November) events this year.
The COVID-safe plans developed by The Australian Turf Club (ATC) and approved by NSW Health will allow the venues to increase capacity in outdoor-seated locations.
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said the decision will help create jobs and stimulate the economy, key goals of the NSW Government’s COVID-19 Recovery Plan.
“Spring Racing is such an important part of the Sydney events calendar and it’s great that more people will be able to attend in a COVID-safe way,” Mr Ayres said.
“COVID has had a major impact on our events sector and these changes will be a welcome boost to this critical sector of the NSW economy.”
The increased capacity arrangements will mean the ATC can host almost 11,000 racegoers at Royal Randwick, and just over 6,000 at Rosehill Racecourse for the three marquee events. All racegoers in attendance will be required to be seated as part of their raceday experience unless they are journeying for essential purposes such as to hospitality areas for food and drink purchases, or restroom.
Minister for Better Regulation and Minister Responsible for Racing Kevin Anderson said the $2.6 billion racing industry is an important economic driver for NSW, and the increase in crowds is a significant boost to the sector as it emerges from the challenges of COVID-19.
“The Everest is climbing to the status of the Melbourne Cup as the new race that stops the nation and the opportunity for thousands more people to watch the race live at Royal Randwick is a major win for racegoers,” Mr Anderson said.
“Racing has been an unsung hero of COVID-19 in supporting thousands of jobs throughout the pandemic and the increased crowds for the Everest, the Golden Eagle and Cup Day stands to be a celebration of the incredible shape our state’s thoroughbred racing industry is in despite these unprecedented challenges.”
CEO of the ATC Jamie Barkley said the ATC will continue to work closely with Racing NSW and relevant government parties to ensure a safe racing experience trackside.
“The eyes of the racing world will fixed on Sydney and spring racing means it’s our time to shine,” Mr Barkley said.
“The ATC has demonstrated a strong track record in delivering COVID-safe events, and we look forward to welcoming more people to enjoy our world-class racing, hospitality and entertainment venues at Royal Randwick and Rosehill Gardens,” Mr Barkley said.
