Horse racing: COVID-19 rains on Australia's Melbourne Cup parade

MELBOURNE: Australia's Melbourne Cup has drawn a crowd for over 150 years but next week's running will be a subdued affair with social distancing rules robbing"the race that stops the nation" of its usual festive atmosphere.

Cautious authorities allowed hospitality and retail businesses to re-open on Wednesday and lifted some social restrictions for the city's five million people. All draw huge crowds, with a party atmosphere bubbling by the track's rails and in sponsors' opulent marquees in the exclusive 'Birdcage' precinct.

Racing, however, was allowed to continue holding meetings without crowds, providing a lifeline to thousands of trainers, jockeys and breeders. While other betting markets were frozen, Australian racing was a major beneficiary of the global sports shutdown. "Those with the money to spend, couldn't spend it on other things .... so we benefited significantly from the increase on our wagering."If leadup races are any guide, RV, which has a joint venture with wagering giant Tabcorp, stands to reap further dividends through Cup week.

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