Updated:
Racing NSW have announced crowds will not be allowed at the races.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
"Armidale Jockey Club have been advised by Racing NSW that no crowds are permitted for races on Saturday," the club said on their Facebook page.
"Essential personnel only, meaning trainers and strappers.
"Racing NSW are trying to protect the racing industry and are working with the state government and NSW health."
Earlier:
Armidale Jockey Club has welcomed the news they can have crowds return just in time for spring racing.
Heavy lockdowns will be lifted at 12.01am on Saturday morning just in time for the Jockey Club's first meet of the season on the same day.
The first meet of the season normally marks St Albert's College race day but they withdrew due to "the unknown."
SEE ALSO:
Nonetheless, Armidale Jockey Club's secretary-manager Jim Dedes is hopeful a crowd will come and celebrate the end of lockdown, enjoy the warm weather and get ready for spring racing.
"With restrictions. The one per four square metre rule, inside and outside but we have a pretty big outside area," he said.
"But we will probably limit it to 500 people, I would say, until things settle down."
Dedes said it promises to be an excellent meet with trainers from far and wide accepting, as well as another race added to the day.
"We ended up getting quite good fields so there should be some good racing," he said.
"We were only supposed to race six races but they put another race on for the trainers so we have got seven races. Apart from the Armidale Cup, it is probably our biggest day."
Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can access our trusted content:
- Bookmark armidaleexpress.com.au
- Make sure you are signed up for our breaking and regular headlines newsletters
- Follow us on Twitter: @ArmidaleExpress
- Follow us on Instagram @armidale.express
- Follow us on Google News