Albury Racing Club has received a welcome boost after securing approval to have up to 9800 racegoers attend next month's Albury Gold Cup.
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In a cruel twist of fate the club was forced to run last year's cup without a crowd after COVID-19 restrictions were introduced the same week of its biggest meeting.
It meant the club was left hundreds of thousands of dollars out of pocket with the double whammy of no gate takings while still liable for a bill of around $200,000 for raceday infrastructure.
Club chief executive officer Steve Hetherton said it was exciting to be able to host a crowd as close as possible to the 13,000 plus racegoers the meeting usually attracts.
"We are thrilled to be able to have as close to a normal cup day crowd as we can given there are still restrictions in place," Hetherton said.
"We have worked closely with the relevant authorities including the police, NSW Health, Racing NSW and Albury Council.
"Patrons will have to pre-purchase tickets and still sign in using the QR code on arrival at the track.
"But once inside the course, patrons can move around whilst maintaining social distancing"
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The club is still recovering from the financial disaster of its past two cup meetings and can ill-afford to lose the financial windfall of its premier meeting for a third year in-a-row.
Two years ago, the cup meeting was abandoned after a freak storm struck on the morning of the biggest meeting of the year and left the track unsuitable for racing.
Ironically over the past two years there has been a crowd with no cup and last year a cup with no crowd.
The club welcomed back crowds in August last year in time for its popular spring and festive meets which had a higher level of restrictions in place.
"It was terrific to welcome back patrons to the track because you certainly notice the lack of atmosphere without a crowd," Hetherton said.
"But having restrictions on crowd numbers does present challenges of making it financially viable for the club.
"That's the most pleasing thing about this year is that it's going to be almost business as usual.
"There is the two day carnival format and prizemoney hasn't been affected with $770,000 on offer.
"Based on current sales, I'm confident we will sell out of tickets.
"I encourage patrons to book their tickets as soon as possible so they can enjoy the Albury Gold Cup carnival and experience what is widely acknowledged as the biggest social event on the Border."
The two-day carnival starts on March 18.