All South Australian thoroughbred racing activities are to be no-spectator events for the foreseeable future after a decision by Thoroughbred Racing SA to limit attendance to essential racing personnel only.
This follows the Australian Government’s advice that all non-essential organised mass gatherings of more than 500 should be cancelled as a result of the COVID-19 situation.
The decision affects all race meetings, barrier trials and trackwork and comes into force at 6pm Wednesday 18 March 2020.
The 2020 Oakbank Easter Racing Carnival will go ahead under the restrictions, and will now be limited to essential racing personnel with no spectators permitted on any day.
The club will be contacting ticket holders to organise full refunds or to offer racegoers the option to defer their booking to the Oakbank Christmas Twilight Races on 23 December.
All race meetings at Morphettville will be limited to essential racing participants and racing officials only with no spectators or members allowed on course.
The decision affects a number of upcoming provincial and regional events including:
- The Kimba Cup on March 22 will run under the restrictions
- A decision has been made to cancel the Streaky Bay Cup on March 28 in consultation with the club
- The Clare races scheduled for Easter Saturday, the Penola Cup on Easter Sunday and the Easter Monday Barossa Cup at Gawler will all run under the restrictions.
Nutella-Palooza
Regarding Nutella-Palooza 2020, Morphetville Racecourse posted the following statement:
“In response to the Federal Governments ban on public gatherings in excess of 500 pax and with the uncertainty of these times, Nutella-Palooza 2020 on 4th April, will be cancelled.
While we understand this will come as a disappointment, your health and safety is our number one priority.
We thank you for your support of the event and your understanding.
We hope to reschedule at a later date. Any updates will follow.
For the latest information about Coronavirus visit www.health.gov.au , www.sahealth.sa.gov.au or call the National Coronavirus Information Hotline on 1800 020 080.”
Touch-a-Truck 2020
Touch-a-Truck 2020 has also been cancelled, with the following statement posted on Facebook:
“Our Touch-a-Truck community event planned for 22 April will not proceed, following advice from the Federal Government regarding events that attract more than 500 people.
While we understand this will come as a disappointment, your health and safety is our number one priority.
We are currently contacting those involved in the event to keep them informed.
Thank you for your support and understanding.
For the latest information about coronavirus visit www.health.gov.au , www.sahealth.sa.gov.au or call the National Coronavirus Information Hotline on 1800 020 080.”
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