The decision to reduce the event from three days and restructure the program was made in consultation with Country Racing Victoria (CRV), Australian Jumping Racing Association (AJRA) and Warrnambool Racing Club in light of the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

With racing being conducted in Victoria under strict biosecurity protocols, WRC announced on March 20 the carnival would be closed to all spectators, including members, owners and general public.

Today, RV and WRC announced the carnival will open on Tuesday May 5 with an all-jumps meeting, including the world famous Grand Annual Steeplechase over 5500m and 33 obstacles.

Traditional day one and two features, the Brierly Steeplechase (3450m) and Galleywood Hurdle (3200m), will also feature on what shapes as the biggest jumps racing program held in Victoria.

The second and final day of the carnival will be held on Wednesday May 6 with a nine-race program exclusive to flat racing. It will be headlined with the listed Warrnambool Cup (2350m) and Wangoom Handicap (1200m).

WRC chief Tom O'Connor said it was focusing on supporting the racing industry and its efforts to safely continue racing.

"The year 2020 will mark an unprecedented one for the WRC with the need to host our carnival over two days with exclusive jumps and flat racing meetings," he said.

"With that said, the Warrnambool community and broader racing industry can be rest assured that this will be a once off. The carnival will return over three days in 2021, bigger and better than ever."

Chairman Nick Rule said the revamped and reduced carnival would still provide a smorgasbord of interest for fans of jumps racing.

"It's tough times," Rule said.

"The two days are the best result we could hope for in these difficult times. Circumstances beyond our control have seen our carnival reduced to two days but we're aiming to be back as a three-day carnival in 2021.

"The Tuesday will be an exciting day for jumps fans with three different jumps races with the Grand Annual, the Brierly and Novice Steeplechase being run in the open paddocks on the one day.

"It's unprecedented times for everything because of the impact of the coronavirus pandemic. The virus is having a massive impact on everyone. No one is free from it but we've all got to stick together to come out the other end."

The Thursday, May 7 timeslot previously allocated to Warrnambool will be transferred to another racing club with the new venue and program to be announced at a later date.

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