The Moonee Valley Racing Club will work closely with Racing Victoria to review the two-day Cox Plate Carnival despite a new record wagering record.
Turnover across the two meetings rose 10 per cent year-on-year to $183 million with $133.7 million wagered (up 9.3%) on Cox Plate Day while Manikato Stakes night held a new night racing record of $49.6 million, up 11.2%.
The turnover that night surpassed the $48.2 million wagered on Moir Stakes night, September 24.
The MVRC and RV will conduct a review of the carnival, in particular the Manikato Stakes and its current position on the racing calendar.
The field for the Manikato Stakes, run on October 22, was affected by The Everest run six days earlier, while the Cox Plate was hit with two scratchings, including the race morning scratching of Zaaki.
MVRC Chief Executive Michael Browell said the Club was pleased with the turnover figure despite taking a financial hit for the second year running with no crowds on course due to COVID.
“In a year where the Club has taken a significant financial hit with no crowds attending our marquee two-day Cox Plate Carnival, we are delighted to see a record result for wagering which continues the current trend across the industry” Browell said.
“To announce a record wagering result for night racing on Manikato Stakes Night illustrates that the two-day Carnival is now well entrenched in Melbourne’s Spring Racing Carnival.
“Despite the two withdrawals prior to the Cox Plate, Australia’s Best Race was not to be dampened, even with rain throughout the day
“It delivered in spades with a nail-biting finish, and every horse had their chance, with Verry Elleegant since franking the form with her remarkable win in the Melbourne Cup.
“The 2021 Cox Plate Carnival, and in particular the 101st running of the Cox Plate, will go down in history as one of the greatest editions we have ever seen, but we can’t wait to surpass it yet again when we can welcome back The Valley’s beating heart with 30,000 cheering fans in 2022.”