Race Dates released for August to December 2020

Following last week’s confirmation that the traditional dates will be retained for the 2020 Spring Racing Carnival, Racing Victoria (RV) has today released the Race Dates for August to December 2020.

Traditionally a 12-month schedule of race dates would be released for the upcoming racing season, however, further consultation is required with Clubs regarding the 2021 dates and as such these will be released at a later point.

Picnic and non-TAB meetings have been programmed from October, however a decision will be made closer to each event as to whether they proceed based on the advice at the time around the ability for crowds to attend and the required COVID-19 biosecurity protocols.

The Benalla and Coleraine Cup dates will also be added to the schedule once details surrounding the AFL Grand Final public holiday are released as the intention is to conduct both on this holiday date.

Two changes of note which have previously been communicated to the industry are:

• As part of RV’s ongoing review of the working week, there is no race meeting programmed on Christmas Eve to allow industry stakeholders a two-day break from racing; and
  
  
• Owing to the rescheduling of the AFL Grand Final, a switch of Melbourne Racing Club (MRC) meetings was made on the final weekend in September with Caulfield’s Group 1 Underwood Stakes meeting moving 24 hours earlier to Saturday, 26 September, with Mornington’s Ansett Classic meeting reverting to Sunday, 27 September.

In addition, the Moe Cup has also moved from its traditional Thursday timeslot (15 October) to Friday, 16 October.

RV Executive General Manager – Racing, Greg Carpenter, said, “Following extensive consultation with our Race Clubs, Country Racing Victoria and industry stakeholders, both prior to and during the COVID-19 pandemic, we have not sought to make wholesale changes to the Race Dates for the remainder of the calendar year.

“We are confident that our racing program will continue to attract the very best horses, trainers and jockeys to Victoria, where restrictions allow, which will help drive strong wagering and engagement results.

“We are continuing to work on a return to crowds framework with the Clubs, based on the directives and guidelines provided by the Victorian Government. This advice will help us determine whether picnic and non-TAB meetings proceed as programmed because local community engagement is central to their success.

“On behalf of RV, I would like to thank our key stakeholders and Race Clubs for both their patience in these unique circumstances and their engagement in the consultation process.”

To view the full schedule of the August to December 2020 Victorian Race Dates click here.

Following are some of the feature race meetings during August to December 2020: