Stawell, Warracknabeal Cups feel pinch of coronavirus measures

Access to race meets has been severely restricted until April 13.

Only licensed jockeys, trainers, a minimised number of stable staff, officials and select media will be allowed to attend.

All permitted attendees at race meets will be subject to temperature checks by medical staff upon arriving at the racecourse.

The Warracknabeal Cup is scheduled to run on Saturday, April 11, and the Stawell Cup a day later, on April 12.

"This announcement is disappointing; however, the health and safety of our customers is paramount, and this decision helps make sure that the club upholds this requirement," the Warracknabeal Racing Club said.

"We thank everyone for their support and understanding. We look forward to welcoming you back to Warracknabeal Racing Club and our community next time."

Racing Victoria chief executive, Giles Thompson said the decisions were made in the best interest of the industry.

"These are unprecedented circumstances that required unprecedented actions if we are to continue racing and supporting the 25,000 full-time jobs that Victorian racing underpins," he said in a statement.

"We have two clear priorities at this time; to protect the health and wellbeing of our industry stakeholders and indeed the wider community, and to provide an appropriate framework under which racing can continue for the many people whose livelihoods depend on it."

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