Warrnambool Racing Club is making preparations to host its famous three-day May Racing Carnival crowd-free if needed as concerns spread about coronavirus.
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Cub chief executive officer Tom O'Connor said the club was concerned, especially after the Melbourne Grand Prix was declared crowd-free this morning.
"Formula one have clearly made a decision this morning," he said.
"At the moment we are in regular communications with the racing industry about their position.
"The racing industry has now pulled together a crisis management team to look closely at the situation which is changing hourly.
"Fortunately there is some time between now and May 5 but we will be, to some extent, governed by external factors."
Mr O'Connor said the race club was constantly monitoring events nationally and internationally as they unfold.
"At present it's business as usual and we are planning and work continues towards May 5," he said.
"We are in a position of hoping for the best but also being prepared.
"Things could be taken out of our hands. We'll be governed by those communications with federal and state government, health authorities and the racing industry."
Mr O'Connor said a lot of work had already gone into the running of this year's carnival.
He said the club was still hopeful the carnival, which attracts 30,000 racegoers across the three days, would go ahead with attendees.
He said ticket sales were already up for this year's jumps-themed event.
"From the club's perspective at the moment it's business as usual," he said.
"We are planning for a big event, sales are up, the local community has been fantastic and there's plenty of people out there that have already pre-planned their travel arrangements.
"We're looking forward to seeing them on course."
Coronavirus fears have failed to deter jumps racing crowds in the United Kingdom this week, with more than 60,000 flocking to the opening day of the Cheltenham Festival.
Sporting events have been impacted by the virus across the world though, with the NBA announcing on Thursday that it was suspending its season indefinitely after one of its players tested positive to COVID-19.
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