MELBOURNE is into its second of six weeks of coronavirus Stage 4 lockdown and while racing continues, much is unknown about how badly Melbourne’s spring racing carnival will be affected. Caulfield hosts the first Group 1 of the new season, the Memsie Stakes in just two weeks (August 29th) with the Flemington’s spring opener on Saturday, September 12th almost certain to have no owners or spectators in attendance.

As much as racing on-course is under threat this spring the consequences for Melbourne will be seen in sectors such as tourism, retail and fashion, hospitality and accommodation who will have their expectations virtually erased at present.

Typically the Victoria Racing Club appoints a market research company to measure the gross economic benefit of Melbourne Cup week, the 2018 edition was estimated to be worth A$447.6 million to Victoria.

In Sydney, the situation is not as dire, with Covid-19 cases being measured in the teens, though travel between states is difficult at present. Sydney’s Group 1 racing season begins next Saturday (August 22nd) with the Winx Stakes at Randwick.