The Caulfield meeting featuring the $5 million All-Star Mile will go ahead without on-course spectators.
The Melbourne Racing Club says only people essential to the operations of Saturday’s race meeting will be admitted to the course.
“The Melbourne Racing Club is taking considered action to ensure the safety, health and wellbeing of members, patrons, participants and staff for The All-Star Mile Race Day,” the MRC said.
“Our position has always been that we will follow advice from the relevant state and federal government agencies in relation to coronavirus (covid-19).
“We have now been advised non-essential mass gatherings attended by more than 500 people should not proceed from Monday.
“In the interest of patron safety, in consultation with Racing Victoria, the MRC has taken the decision to take extra precaution and proceed with The All-Star Mile Race Day without spectators.
“This decision has been taken to ensure the safety of our members, patrons, participants and staff.”
Friday night’s Alister Clark Stakes meeting at The Valley will also be run without the public.
The Moonee Valley Racing Club said only racing participants and industry officials would be allowed on course.
NSW officials have announced spectators will be allowed to attend Saturday’s meeting at Rosehill which features the Group One Coolmore Classic.
The $5 million All-Star Mile is Melbourne’s richest autumn race with a number of the runners earning their spots in the field by being voted in by the public.
The MRC said general admission pre-purchased ticket holders would receive a full refund while hospitality clients would be offered credit or refund.