General News
30 September, 2021
Date change, no crowd for Mortlake Cup
FOR the second straight year, the Bet365 Mortlake Cup will go ahead behind closed doors.
FOR the second straight year, the Bet365 Mortlake Cup will go ahead behind closed doors.
Racing Victoria (RV), in consultation with Country Racing Victoria (CRV) and Mortlake Racing Club, last week announced crowds would not be able to attend the meeting, while it would be moved to Sunday, October 30 from Saturday, October 31
“It is with disappointment that the Mortlake Racing Club announce that the much anticipated return of crowds to the 2021 bet365 Mortlake Cup can’t be achieved,” a statement released by the club said.
“Following the recent roadmap announced by the State Government in relation to the community management of COVID-19, the club and the broader racing industry have had to make the difficult decision once again to conduct the event crowd free.
“The cup will now go ahead on Sunday, October 31 at the Mortlake Racecourse with only authorised participants in attendance.”
Club president Bruce Redpath said the club was disappointed with the news.
“As a community club we must lend our hand in making the local community a safe place,” he said.
“We had a great response to our packages with many being booked online when we first released them prior to this most recent COVID outbreak.
“This encourages us that there is a strong commitment amongst the community and racegoers to attend a great day of local racing.
“Be assured we will be back in 2022 with a fantastic, not to be missed Mortlake Cup.”
Mortlake’s meeting was not the only race date affected, with meetings in Wodonga, Alexandra, Healesville and Manangatang abandoned and the St Arnaud Cup date changed.
RV executive general manager – racing Greg Carpenter, said it was disappointing for all clubs affected to have changes to their meetings.
“These race meetings are very much community events built on attendance and tourism and with limited or no crowds permitted we believe this is most practical decision to assist clubs, stakeholders and racing fans with their planning,” he said.
“I would like to thank the clubs affected for their cooperation and understanding regarding this decision which we appreciate would be extremely disappointing for the clubs, especially those affected for a second consecutive year.”
Mortlake’s meeting will be televised live on racing.com, while all bookings for the meeting will refunded over the next 10 days.
Any enquiries can be directed via email to k.vankempen@countryracing.com.au.