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Original constituency question from Juliana Addison MP to Parliament –

I welcomed the recent news that up to 10 000 racing fans will be at Flemington for the 2021 Melbourne Cup on the first Tuesday in November.

My question is for the Minister for Racing about crowd numbers for the 2021 Ballarat Cup to be held on Saturday, 20 November, at Dowling Forest Racecourse, one of Victoria’s premier racing and training venues.

Subject to Victoria progressing through the road map as anticipated and the relevant event approvals framework in place at the time, would the minister please advise how many racing fans can expect to attend the Ballarat Cup this year?

I wish to congratulate Ballarat Turf Club CEO Belinda Glass and the Ballarat Turf Club for the great work they are doing to build the club and the reputation of Dowling Forest as an excellent place to train and race thoroughbreds, with the development of stables and training facilities.

I also would like to extend an invitation to the Minister for Racing and to all members of this place to come to the 2021 Ballarat Cup for a fantastic day of spring racing in regional Victoria.

Response from the Hon Martin Pakula MP, Minister for Racing (10th Nov 2021) –

Victoria’s roadmap to Deliver the National Plan sets out how we can safely reopen, while also supporting our health system to ensure Victorians can still get the healthcare they need, when they need it most.

Victorians have done a great job reaching the 16+ double vaccination rate of 80 per cent. This enabled regional Victoria and metropolitan Melbourne to move together into Phase C of the Roadmap on 29 October 2021 with a significant easing of restrictions.

It was great to see crowds return to the races over the Melbourne Cup Carnival with up to 5,500 fully vaccinated patrons on course for Derby Day and up to 10,000 fully vaccinated patrons for Melbourne Cup Day, Oaks Day and Stakes Day.

Under Phase C arrangements the Ballarat Turf Club will be able to welcome up to 5,000 fully vaccinated patrons to the Cup meeting on 20 November 2021.

I am advised that the club is working towards that target and wish them all the best for what is a great day of racing.