The NSW Government has confirmed Royal Randwick will host 5,000 fully vaccinated spectators for The TAB Everest, Saturday 16 October, with the State on track to pass the 70 per cent double dose vaccination target.
Deputy Premier John Barilaro said welcoming fully vaccinated racegoers back to the track is only possible thanks to the vigilance of NSW residents during lockdown.
“Getting crowds back at major events is a big part of the NSW Government’s Reopening NSW roadmap, and after months of following the sport from the couch, I know fans are looking forward to cheering on the world’s fastest horses in the flesh,” Mr Barilaro said.
“In NSW we are hitting our vaccination targets ahead of schedule, which means The Everest will be Sydney’s first major sporting event with fans in attendance, as we emerge from lockdown.”
Minister for Better Regulation and Minister responsible for racing Kevin Anderson said the racing industry in NSW stood above the rest when it came to operating in a COVIDSafe way, contributing more than $3.5 billion annually to the NSW economy and acting as a significant employer for almost 14,000 people in metropolitan and regional NSW.
“Spring wouldn’t be spring without The Everest and the prospect of having crowds trackside at Royal Randwick for the world’s richest race on turf is very exciting,” Mr Anderson said.
“The Australian Turf Club brought a proposal to the NSW Government earlier this month to update us on how they will conduct the event in a COVIDSafe way and I know they are eager to welcome fans trackside with open arms.
“The thoroughbred industry stood tall throughout the worst of the pandemic, keeping thousands in work and even more entertained with some sensational racing already taking place this year.”
Australian Turf Club Chief Executive Jamie Barkley said the NSW Government has led the way in seeing vaccination rates substantially increase, allowing Sydney to prepare to open up major events such as The Everest again.
“The Sydney Racing Carnival is one of the biggest events on the spring sporting calendar and The TAB Everest is beamed to 66 countries around the world,” Mr Barkley said.
“The ATC greatly appreciates the support of the NSW Government to make The TAB Everest the first major event back with 5,000 spectators as we emerge from lockdown.
For the latest information on COVID-19, visit: nsw.gov.au/covid-19
