This week every year Warrnambool hosts a 3 day racing carnival - a huge economic boost to the whole town as thousands come and stay for the week. But NO, not this year!! Racing is still permitted to occur (It's a good income for the state!) but with no spectators what so ever! We were warned that we could not gather on the outer edge of the race track even. But luckily I live very close to the track and there are many walking tracks on the hills around the track, so I just went for a walk to capture this rare shot of today's races. The treed area in the front is usually so full of people and book makers.
Sad sign of the times but necessary at times like this. There has been talk of splitting events taking place without spectators but the event will be televised. With this race not televised?
It's the same here. It seems strange that horse racing can go ahead because they can't really enforce the 1.5 metre rule. The cynic in me thinks that it has a lot to do with revenue.
@janeandcharlie Yes Jane spectators at any sport is going to be a long way off I feel. @onewing trainers owners, jockeys and officials are the only people who can be at the races but they must all practice safe distancing. @janiskay yes Janis the races were televised - I was just curious to see what was happening knowing that I can see the racetrack from many places over in the park area.. @merrelyn I totally agree with the cynic in you that races are permitted for the revenue they create for the government!
It's kind of a pretty scene without the crowds though. But it does seem kind of pointless. They ran a "virtual" Kentucky Derby here last weekend. Seems rather desperate.
Everything is prepared handsomely for the races from what I see through your magnificent shot. But sports loses much of its attraction without the attendance of fans and spectactors.
May 6th, 2020
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@onewing trainers owners, jockeys and officials are the only people who can be at the races but they must all practice safe distancing. @janiskay yes Janis the races were televised - I was just curious to see what was happening knowing that I can see the racetrack from many places over in the park area..
@merrelyn I totally agree with the cynic in you that races are permitted for the revenue they create for the government!