Crowds to return to Echuca Racing Club on Wednesday

Nov 29, 2020

THE sound of a roaring crowd spurring a horse onto victory has been missing at Victoria racetracks for several months, but it is now returning.

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On Friday, the Victorian Government confirmed up to 500 people can now attend meetings.

The announcement couldn't have come at a better time for Echuca Racing Club as it prepares to host its Christmas races on Wednesday, December 2.

Although there will be a number of rules in place for the event.

All clubs must have a COVIDSafe plan in place and spectators are being encouraged to carry a face mask at all times for indoor use and where social distancing is not possible.

Echuca Racing Club's general manager Garry Armstrong said the venue would now be able to accept walk-ups under the current arrangement.

“Everyone who wishes to attend including owners, members and spectators must pre-register,” he said.

“People are able to do that by contacting echraces@countryracing.com.au.

“Once someone has registered we will produce an entry ticket which will be scanned on arrival for the purpose of contact tracing.

“We will also be using the Venue Safe app to help run the event.”

The club's meeting is deemed a tier three event on the Victorian Government's COVIDSafe Summer plan, which is a gathering of less than 500 people.

Armstrong said he was just thrilled to see crowds back at the races.

“It has been a really difficult year across the state,” he said.

“We're fortunate to have this meeting in the lead up to New Year's Eve because it is going to give us a look at how things work.

“We're expecting to take some lessons away from the day.”

Racing Victoria (RV) has announced there will be continued separation of spectators and event officials for the short-term future, although it would continue to be reviewed.

RV chief executive Giles Thompson said getting spectators back on track was an “important milestone for our industry”.

“We thank the Minister for Racing, Martin Pakula, and the Victorian Government both for this opportunity and their support of Victorian racing during the pandemic,” Thompson said.

“In the initial period it will be a different experience for those spectators who attend a race meeting with some restrictions on their movements, but it is important for the community and our sport that we make these initial steps in a safe and responsible manner.”