Last Updated on 3 October 2023
Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival
The spring racing carnival is the time of year when Melbourne comes alive. Not only are there spring races such as Caulfield Cup, Oak’s Day, but there is also the day of days and Australia’s richest race, Melbourne Cup Day.
Unfortunately, the past couple of years have thrown a massive spanner in the works turning the racing season into… well, nothing.
But that’s about to change.
This year, the Victorian government has vowed that we will be open for the Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival, well, the Melbourne Cup Carnival anyway. So naturally, as the premier racing carnival in Australia, many Victorians are very happy, to say the least!
Currently, they are allowing 10,000 patrons through the doors and onto the field for the Melbourne Cup to see the racing action up close and personal.
Not much has been said about Oaks Day at this point; however, considering it is always held two days after the Melbourne Cup and this year will be held on the 4th of November, we can safely assume that it will be open to the public.
Unfortunately, the majority of Metro major race days before this will not allow patrons if you live in regional Victoria; on the other hand, you will be able to attend the races.
So Can I Go To The Races?
Well, see, here’s where things get a little bit tricky; even though the Melbourne Cup is open to 10,000 patrons, that will essentially consist of trainers, owners, members, and staff.
Additionally, every person to walk through the gates of the races will have to be double dose vaccinated and have digital proof to verify they are fully vaccinated.
So if you are just a regular Joe planning on sourcing this season’s colours for a new dress or jumping online and buying a new suit for cup day, you might want to think again.
So What Are My Options?
No need to worry; there are still plenty of options available that allow you to have fun and enjoy the horse racing, all venues open to the public will have patrons outside. Additionally, 30 people will be allowed inside; however, the definitions on this are a little unclear) and you will be able to gather in groups of up to 10 people outdoors.
Doors to many venues will be reopening as of the 26th of October, allowing Patrons to get out and still enjoy the races on a different scale than they have in previous years; this could happen as early as next week Melbournians ramp up their vaccination rates.
Some venues have stated they will not be opening until 80% double dose has been reached simply because they cannot justify only having 50 patrons at their venue. So, unfortunately, we will just have to wait and see what is open and what isn’t.
Can We Open Earlier?
Metro Melbourne has the potential to open up earlier than expected as the vaccination rates have increased recently.
This means for the Spring Racing Carnival that if we reach the 80% fully Vaccinated milestone, there will be an even more significant amount of patrons allowed into venues such as pubs, TABs, and restaurants. We will then also be allowed to have up to 10 people in our homes.
