The COVID-19 pandemic has thrown the cat amongst the pigeons with lead-up events into big races, and the time slots for the major races themselves.
The Betting World 1900, the Gold Challenge, Cup Trial and the Jubilee Handicap at Turffontein, for example, are races that ideally need to be run prior to the July.
But with government silent on our ‘top of the pile’ application, every passing day tightens the pressure on trying to include all features necessary.
But the Aussies are determined not to move the race that stops a nation,
In Australia, despite potential changes to the 2020 Victorian Spring Carnival date structure, punters.com reports that the date for the Melbourne Cup – i.e. the first Tuesday in November – is sacrosanct and thus immutable.
Talking to TABRadio on Monday, Racing Victoria’s executive general manager of racing Greg Carpenter was unequivocal that while other races could see their dates moved around, the Melbourne Cup is off limits.
The underlying reason for a possible restructure of dates is due to the knock-on effect COVID 19 will have on the AFL grand final.
Its later date for this year could see it held on the same day as the Caulfield Cup, a prospect the Melbourne Racing Club is keen to avoid at all costs.
That would mean arguably the most important traditional Melbourne Cup lead-up event might be staged after the big two mile instead of before it.
“Our starting point around this year’s spring carnival has been throughout that the traditional dates are our preferred option,” stated Carpenter.
“There’s been a lot of uncertainty obviously with COVID-19 around when crowds might be able to return to sporting events. I know the MRC are doing due diligence about looking whether or not a later Caulfield Cup might be a better option for them.”
In the event the AFL’s flag day clashes with the Cox Plate, the Moonee Valley Race Club could potentially stage a night meeting.
While in South Africa we await the green light from government.
