Albury's biggest social event has been thrown into chaos for the second year in a row with coronavirus fears forcing punters out of next week's Gold Cup.
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Up to 12,000 people were set to attend the $200,000 race, which was cancelled last year due to heavy rain, but Albury Racing Club chief executive Steve Hetherton confirmed the "massive setback" late on Friday.
Mr Hetherton said the racing club would issue refunds to anyone who pre-purchased hospitality and tickets to the Gold Cup.
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A decision on whether the two-day carnival is run with only "industry participants" in attendance will be made by Racing NSW in coming days, Mr Hetherton said.
"It's extremely disappointing that we are unable to showcase our carnival especially on the back of the massive setback caused by losing the 2019 cup day," he said.
The Gold Cup bombshell came as Prime Minister Scott Morrison said that organised non-essential gatherings of more than 500 people shouldn't continue after Monday.
In a drama-charged day, Morris Wines announced its cellar doors at Rutherglen, along with Baileys of Glenrowan, would be closed until next Saturday, March 21.
"As a family owned business, the health and wellbeing of our people and the communities in which we operate is our number one priority," it said.
Drive-through testing for coronavirus will be used by Albury Wodonga Health from next week.
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