With the world in lockdown mode, it is no small miracle that racing in Australia has managed to forge ahead largely unscathed!
Through strict precautions and regular monitoring, Australian racing has managed to continue with daily races with no fans in attendance, and social distancing of jockeys and other essential staff.
This is fantastic for punters, and has helped to break up the boredom and monotony of being isolated at home, by allowing fans some excitement and something to bet on each day.
Looking ahead, barring any unforeseen interruptions, there are some amazing races on offer coming up, with the ultimate in horse racing being the Group 1 races. Group 1 races attract the cream of the crop to take part. Below is the Group 1 racing schedule for Australia, so mark it on your calendar with a reminder to head on over to PlayUp to have a crack and hopefully pick some big winners!
| Date | Day | Race | Track | State |
| 18-Apr | Saturday | Champagne Stakes | Randwick | NSW |
| 18-Apr | Saturday | All Aged Stakes | Randwick | NSW |
| 2-May | Saturday | Robert Sangster Stakes | Morphettville | S.A. |
| 2-May | Saturday | Australasian Oaks | Morphettville | S.A. |
| 9-May | Saturday | Doomben 10,000 | Doomben | QLD |
| 9-May | Saturday | SA Derby | Morphettville | S.A. |
| 16-May | Saturday | Doomben Cup | Doomben | QLD |
| 16-May | Saturday | The Goodwood Handicap | Morphettville | S.A. |
| 23-May | Saturday | Queensland Derby | Eagle Farm | QLD |
| 23-May | Saturday | Kingsford Smith Cup | Eagle Farm | QLD |
| 30-May | Saturday | Queensland Oaks | Doomben | QLD |
| 6-Jun | Saturday | Stradbroke Handicap | Eagle Farm | QLD |
| 6-Jun | Saturday | JJ Atkins Stakes | Eagle Farm | QLD |
| 20-Jun | Saturday | Tattersalls Tiara | Eagle Farm | QLD |
| 22-Aug | Saturday | Winx Stakes | Randwick | NSW |
| 29-Aug | Saturday | Memsie Stakes | Caulfield | VIC |
| 12-Sep | Saturday | Makybe Diva Stakes | Flemington | VIC |
| 19-Sep | Saturday | Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes | Caulfield | VIC |
| 19-Sep | Saturday | George Main Stakes | Randwick | NSW |
| 25-Sep | Friday | Moir Stakes | Moonee Valley | VIC |
| 26-Sep | Saturday | Golden Rose | Rosehill | NSW |
| 27-Sep | Sunday | Underwood Stakes | Caulfield | VIC |
| 3-Oct | Saturday | Turnbull Stakes | Flemington | VIC |
| 3-Oct | Saturday | Epsom Handicap | Randwick | NSW |
| 3-Oct | Saturday | The Metropolitan Handicap | Randwick | NSW |
| 3-Oct | Saturday | Flight Stakes | Randwick | NSW |
| 10-Oct | Saturday | Thousand Guineas | Caulfield | VIC |
| 10-Oct | Saturday | Caulfield Guineas | Caulfield | VIC |
| 10-Oct | Saturday | Caulfield Stakes | Caulfield | VIC |
| 10-Oct | Saturday | Toorak Handicap | Caulfield | VIC |
| 10-Oct | Saturday | Spring Champion Stakes | Randwick | NSW |
| 17-Oct | Saturday | Caulfield Cup | Caulfield | VIC |
| 23-Oct | Friday | Manikato Stakes | Moonee Valley | VIC |
| 24-Oct | Saturday | Cox Plate | Moonee Valley | VIC |
| 31-Oct | Saturday | Coolmore Stud Stakes | Flemington | VIC |
| 31-Oct | Saturday | Victoria Derby | Flemington | VIC |
| 31-Oct | Saturday | Empire Rose Stakes | Flemington | VIC |
| 31-Oct | Saturday | Kennedy Cantala Stakes | Flemington | VIC |
| 3-Nov | Tuesday | Melbourne Cup | Flemington | VIC |
| 5-Nov | Thursday | VRC Kennedy Oaks | Flemington | VIC |
| 7-Nov | Saturday | Mackinnon Stakes | Flemington | VIC |
| 7-Nov | Saturday | VRC Sprint Classic | Flemington | VIC |
| 21-Nov | Saturday | Railway Stakes | Ascot | W.A. |
| 28-Nov | Saturday | Winterbottom Stakes | Ascot | W.A. |
| 5-Dec | Saturday | Kingston Town Classic | Ascot | W.A. |
Hopefully soon we will have some of the bans lifted and be able to attend the races and return to normal, but in the meantime, we are all grateful that the industry is able to continue ahead through the efforts and dedication of all involved in racing.
So what’s the latest in the sporting world as the curve flattens and we look ahead?
- The NRL is nearing a return, possible as soon as late May! Likely with no fans in attendance, but still, it will be great to see weekly rugby league matches once again.
- The PGA Tour looks set to return in June, with the majors being rescheduled, including the US Open pencilled in to be played starting September 17.
- MLB Baseball has considered a plan to start in May, while South Korean baseball is planning to start exhibition games from April 21 which is just days away.
- The NFL is hopeful that they can start their season as scheduled on September 10th later this year, fingers crossed on that one.
- No news yet on the NBA, they seem to be taking a watch and see approach, but many are hopeful that the season will be concluded with a shortened regular season, and then straight into the playoffs!
- German Bundesliga football appears on track to resume playing in May.
- When it comes to Tennis, the French Open and US Open appear to be on track to go ahead at their rescheduled dates in September this year.
- The UFC is even considering holding upcoming bouts on a private island!
- There are some reports that the AFL is targeting June 11th as a potential return date as well. That will be massive.
So there’s some light at the end of the tunnel and reason for sporting fans to build excitement.
While we’re waiting on all of our favourite sports to return though, it’s great to have some racing to watch and bet on and maintain some semblance of normalcy. In fact we had over 240 thoroughbred, trots and greyhound races available for betting today on a Thursday at PlayUp, so there’s plenty to keep us entertained.
Jump on the site or your app now to see all the upcoming races.
Best of luck on the punt and stay safe during these crazy times!
Written by Peter Arena
