Sydney lockdown: Randwick meeting moved to Rosehill

Racing at Rosehill Image: Getty Saturday’s nine-race card at Randwick has been moved to Rosehill as a result of COVID-19 related restrictions in the Harbour City.

There is only one distance change from the original card, with Race 5 – the Garry Burgess BM72 Handicap – dropping from 1600m to 1500m.

The rail will be in the true position with the track currently rated a Soft 7.

Patrons will not be allowed on course with only essential personnel permitted to attend the meeting.

It comes as Caulfield will welcome back crowds of up to 5000 people on Saturday, as restrictions ease in Victoria.

A TAB spokesperson said while their bets for the meeting will stand, they will offer refunds to any customers who feel their bet has been adversely affected by the change.

Ladbrokes has also issued a statement confirming they will refund early bets with the venue switch.

Racing NSW released the following statement: “Following the NSW Government’s announcement of stay at home orders for persons who reside or work in the Local Government areas of Woollahra, Waverley, Randwick and the City of Sydney, Racing NSW and the Australian Turf Club have transferred tomorrow’s Royal Randwick race meeting to Rosehill Gardens.

“Only Essential Personnel will be permitted to attend the race meeting, along with owners of horses racing on the day, who will be placed in designated areas. Racing NSW and the Australian Turf Club will continue to ensure all participants adhere to stringent COVID-19 protocols.

“Due to the evolving nature of COVID cases and as a precautionary measure, the race meeting will be closed to ATC members and the general public, with those restrictions to be reviewed next week.

“All Saturday’s race times and distances will remain as programmed, with the exception of Race 5 (Garry Burgess BM72 Handicap) which will now be run over 1500m. The Rosehill Gardens rail will be in the true position.”