Today’s Melbourne Cup will be run in an empty track as the Flemington racecourse remains closed as the city comes out of lockdown.
The winner will take home an $8 million prize, with internationals Tiger Moth and Anthony Van Dyck, and Cox Plate winner Sir Dragonet, the favourites after the barrier draw.
One thing that will remain the same this year are the demonstrations with animal rights activists going ahead with their protest calling for the race to be called off over animal cruelty concerns.
Activists from People for Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) and the Coalition for the Protection of Racehorses (CPR) carried slogans “You bet, they die” and “Nup to the Cup” before cracking whips full of red powder to symbolise blood.
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Entertainment venues were filled with people last night and this will continue today. With temperatures of 29 degrees Celsius forecast for the city, beaches are expected to be full as beachgoers take advantage of the public holiday in Melbourne.
Beaches will remain open however will be monitored to ensure that COVID-19 rules are adhered to.
