There’s been a shakeup of tomorrow’s race day in Newcastle, with only essential personnel now able to attend the meet.
Owners, members and the general public will not be allowed through the gates of Newcastle Racecourse as the city’s covid outbreak continues to explode.
There were 674 new infections recorded across the Hunter-New England overnight, 308 of which were in the Newcastle LGA itself.
Around 3,000 people were expected at the Broadmeadow venue tomorrow, mainly for Christmas parties.
The Newcastle Jockey Club approached Racing NSW on Thursday about the high number of infections across the region.
The state agency made its decision on Friday, which will see just strappers, jockeys, trainers and a skeleton crew of race day staff on site.
“We thought that was the best decision going forward,” Newcastle Jockey Club CEO Duane Dowell told NBN News, citing safety for both those in the industry and patrons.
Newcastle Jockey Club says tickets already purchased will be refunded.
