Racing Minister Martin Pakula might have a bit of luck with Master of Wine in this week’s Cox Plate after his wobbly attempt to get crowds back to Melbourne racing tracks.
With the city still in lockdown, it’s no surprise the Minister’s been forced to backflip on a plan to allow up to 1250 people on track on the weekend.
Particularly when you consider crowds are still banned at tracks in country Victoria, where the 14 day average has dropped to 0.4.
Country clubs are still taking a big hit.
Last weekend we had the Horsham, Avoca and Seymour Cups, Geelong Cup is today and this Sunday is the Sale and St Arnaud Cups.
Yet despite attempting to bring crowds back to tracks in Melbourne, the Minister has refused to announce a plan and timeframe to get owners and members back on country tracks in areas where there are few or no COVID cases. This should be his focus as a first step.
The Andrews Labor Government’s latest backflip clearly shows this government has no understanding of the sacrifices Victorians are making each and every day.