It'll be far from a typical 30,000-strong crowd, but a select group of racing fans will be allowed on course to witness the 100th running of Melbourne's Cox Plate.
The Victorian government has announced connections will be able to attend Moonee Valley for Friday night's Manikato Stakes and Saturday's Cox Plate, Australia's weight for age championship.
Up to 500 connections will be granted access to each race meeting, with a maximum of 1250 people allowed on course.
Racing Minister Martin Pakula said the meetings would feature a range of COVIDSafe arrangements including caps on numbers, staggered arrivals and temperature checks.
"The change has been closely considered by health officials, who will monitor the implementation of the plan to ensure the health and wellbeing of everyone involved," he said in a statement.
"We have taken the advice of the chief health officer - I know that connections will follow the lead of jockeys, trainers and stable workers and follow all protocols to the letter."
Time limits will be placed on how long owners can remain on course, but an exact number is still being finalised by public health officials.
Food and beverage service will be takeaway only, while owners and connections will be kept away from mounting yards and horse stalls and required to social distance.
Moonee Valley Racing Club says it will contact owners directly on the pre-registration process, attendance limits and race-day protocols.
Despite the strict conditions, chief executive Michael Browell was delighted to have some spectators on course for the milestone race.
"The 100th running of the Ladbrokes Cox Plate is a significant milestone in our club's history and to have owners on course to enjoy the race is a great result," he said in a statement.
"While it is disappointing that we can't welcome our members and the racing public this year, we look forward to putting on a great carnival that they will enjoy from their living rooms."
The exemption bodes well for the upcoming Melbourne Cup carnival, with talks between the state government and Victoria Racing Club ongoing.
