Race clubs apply for compensation

The Deniliquin and Tocumwal Racing Clubs have made an application for compensation, to replace revenue lost on events cancelled as a result of Coronavirus restrictions.The Tocumwal Racing Club was forced to cancel its Easter Saturday event this year due to restrictions.Similarly, the Deniliquin Racing Club was forced to cancel its Anzac Day race meet after public events were put on lockdown in mid-March.“The Deniliquin and Tocumwal racing clubs have put a combined proposal to Southern District Racing regarding compensation, and we are still awaiting a response,” Deniliquin Racing Club president Russell Douglas said.“We're the only two in our region that have really been affected by restrictions so far.”Racing fans in the region will have to wait until next year to attend the Easter races.The Tocumwal club was also celebrating its 150th anniversary this year.“It's expensive to run a race day, regional clubs like us aren’t able to do so without gate prices and sponsorship,” TRC president Murray Haynes said.“We really rely on admission and usually have a very successful day financially to help keep the club going.“We will just have to sit tight until next year. The cup will have to sit on ice until next year with the 150th inscribed on it.”The Southern Riverina’s spring racing can still be salvaged if races in Jerilderie and Berrigan decide to run later this year.Jerilderie Gold Cup meeting is yet to confirm a date in September to hold the event.The Berrigan Gold Cup will be held on Saturday October 31, 2020.“I hope racing us back up and running for our local clubs later this year, It will be a difficult decision but we are hoping public gathering restrictions ease by September so they can go ahead.”Douglas said the club is still in a holding pattern regarding the Deniliquin Caulfield Cup Day meet this year, which he says is the club’s biggest earner.He said it generates $100,000 in revenue each year, on average.The October meet was originally scheduled for October 17, to coincide with Caulfield Cup Day.