The 2021 Ladbrokes Cox Plate Carnival will proceed without any on-course spectators for the second consecutive year following the release of the Victorian State Government’s COVID road map on Sunday. Under this road map, spectators won’t be permitted to return to racing until 80% of people 16+ are fully vaccinated, which is forecast for 5 November.
Having worked closely with the Department of Health and Human Services over recent weeks, the MVRC was hopeful that we could welcome a small crowd of up to 5,000 spectators to The Valley for the 2021 Ladbrokes Cox Plate Carnival on 22 – 23 October under tight COVID Safe controls. However, it is now apparent that conditions of the current lockdown and curfew will remain in place until 26 October, so we can confidently rule out any possibility of holding the 101st running of the Ladbrokes Cox Plate in front of any crowds.
“The Club had hoped that spectators could be welcomed back to racecourses once Victoria reached the 70% fully vaccinated target, which could be achieved in Cox Plate week. We understand the decision that has been made to wait until 80% full vaccination is achieved is in the best interests of the broader community,” said MVRC CEO Michael Browell.
“The Club will now commence planning to welcome our valued members and partners back to The Valley for our race meeting on Friday 12 November. We now have a target date that we can work towards, and we look forward to seeing spectators back at the track in the not-too-distant future.”
“Whilst it is disappointing that the pandemic has again impacted our Cox Plate Carnival, we look forward to a highly competitive 2021 Ladbrokes Cox Plate where the best middle-distance horses will contest Australasia’s ‘Weight-For-Age Championship’ over 2040 metres at The Valley on Saturday 23 October. This year, we celebrate the 101st running of the W.S. Cox Plate and look forward to seeing who will take their place alongside the great champions that have won ‘The Race Where Legends Are Made’.