Punters will be able burst through the turnstiles during the Melbourne Cup carnival as quick as the thoroughbreds they are there for, thanks to a COVID-19 check-in upgrade.
Those heading to Flemington on Thursday for Oaks Day can check in quicker and easier using the Service Victoria app, which will be linked to their Oaks Day ticket on their phone.
Ticketek tested the new technology at the NRL Grand Final at Suncorp Stadium, helping to reduce crowding at QR code check-in points.
Racing Minister Martin Pakula said each Ticketek digital entry ticket to Flemington will feature a button which attendees can click to check in and show proof of vaccination, without having to scan a QR code.
"This technology is going to make things even easier at entry points, allowing fans to spend less time getting into venues and more time enjoying the day," Mr Pakula said in a statement on Tuesday.
Victoria recorded 989 new cases and another nine deaths as a crowd of 10,000 heads to the Melbourne Cup.
After running the race with empty stands in 2020, the Victorian Racing Commission will welcome punters back for the Melbourne Cup on Tuesday.
The crowd at Flemington Racecourse may be smaller than usual, at a COVID-safe limit of 10,000 people, but the excitement in the air will be thick with hope and anticipation of a return to normality.
Tuesday's case number is the lowest since 986 infections were recorded for September 27.
There are 19,409 active cases in the state and the death toll stands at 1134.
Victorians in hospital with the virus has dropped to 667, including 127 in intensive care, with 76 of those on a ventilator.
The 10 Local Government Areas with the highest number of new cases are Casey, Wyndham, Greater Dandenong, Melton, Hume, Brimbank, Cardinia, Whittlesea, Kingston and Latrobe.
Another 48,002 tests were processed on Monday and 16,158 vaccines administered at state-run hubs.
That means 92.7 per cent of Victorians aged over 16 have received one vaccine dose and 81.4 per cent are double-jabbed.
Those unable to get tickets to the race will be able to celebrate the colour of the Cup at home, with up to 10 visitors allowed.
