3 minute read

Despite tough conditions brought about by COVID, the Moonee Valley Racing Club’s night season has attracted record turnover figures.

The Friday night racing season just completed at The Valley was the toughest on record for the Moonee Valley Racing Club. 

But one bright spots for the Club was the record turnover the club had, despite reduced on-course capacity because of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

A total of $398 million was wagered on 16 meetings at The Valley during the 2020-21 season, an increase of 31% on the previous season (when only 15 meetings were held) or 24% on a like-for-like basis. 

It was a record wagering result since night racing commenced in 1998. 

The 2020-21 season saw restrictions placed on crowds until December that were gradually eased through to the final meeting of the season, the William Reid Stakes meeting on March 19. 

MVRC chief executive Michael Browell said the just completed season was one of the most challenging the Club had encountered. 

"While the Club took a significant financial hit racing behind closed doors for the majority of the season, we were just grateful that we could continue racing due to the brilliant work from Racing Victoria and all participants," Browell said. 

"A special mention to our major partner Ladbrokes for their fantastic support, the members of the Moonee Valley Racing Club for their patience and loyalty and for our media partners, especially Racing.Com, who beamed all the action into lounge rooms when many viewers were enduring lockdown." 

Highlights of the season were Pippie's win in the Moir Stakes, Tony & Calvin McEvoy's Hey Doc claiming a second Manikato Stakes and Masked Crusader's victory in the William Reid Stakes for Team Hawkes. 

The 2021-22-night season kicks off with the Moir Stakes on September 24.