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COVID – 19 Update

The Canberra Racing Club is relying on expert advice from reliable sources, and will respond calmly and thoughtfully as a Club to minimise health impacts and maximise the capacity of our health services to support those most in need. All decisions will be made with the best interests of the Community, the Racing Industry and our Staff first and foremost in our mind.  


The Canberra Racing Club is taking a highly precautionary approach to managing the spread of COVID-19 within Thoroughbred Park, which is in line with the latest national health advice. As such the Club is moving to the continuation of racing based on the advice of the Chief Medical Officer to Commonwealth and State Governments, in relation to public gatherings of over 500 people. The next scheduled race meeting of 3 April 2020 will only be open to participants and staff essential to the operation of a race meeting. This will extend as required based on the advice of the Government. 


In addition any large scale events will not be proceeding at Thoroughbred Park with the Aussie Night Markets event scheduled for 13 and 14 March cancelled along with the Aus India Fare which was expected to draw a crowd of 2,000 patrons on 28 March 2020. 


The current COVID-19 crisis is fluid with changes occurring by the hour. It is vital that the Canberra Racing Club remains agile and adapt to enable participants in the racing industry to be able to compete for prize money which serves as the wages of the Industry. 


On behalf of the Committee and the Staff of the Canberra Racing Club, I would like to extend my appreciation of your patience and understanding during this unprecedented situation. 


Andrew Clark

Chief Executive Officer

Canberra Racing Club

16 March 2020.