It is naturally extremely disappointing, GRNSW chief executive officer Tony Mestrov said.

But unfortunately it was a decision we had no choice in making. We will continue to be in constant contact with the NSW Government and NSW Health, and if any restrictions do change which would allow us to have general public at the event, we will pass that on immediately.

We had a tremendous crowd of over 6,300 attend last years grand final, and Im certain everyone who attended that night and experienced that amazing atmosphere, would have loved to have returned in 2020.

But under the current COVID-19 restrictions, the general public will be unable to attend this years Grand Final of the TAB Million Dollar Chase.

As is the case with all major NSW sporting events, COVID-19 restrictions allow for venues to reach a maximum capacity of 25 percent.

And with a responsibility to cater for connections of runners in feature events first and foremost, any hopes of offering a meaningful public offering were dashed.

We have chosen to make this announcement early so that participants and racegoers can make alternative arrangements around watching our biggest night of racing, Mestrov said.

We have all had to make major adjustments and concessions during COVID-19, and despite all efforts to facilitate some access for the general public, it just hasnt been practical or feasible.

GRNSW will be producing an extended showcase coverage encompassing interviews, previews, race tips and of course the live racing events, which can be seen on thedogs.com.au on grand final night.

Participants with Million Dollar Chase finalists and Sydney Cup finalists, will receive four tickets per runner to VIP Functions.

Connections with runners in other events on the night will be allocated four reserved tickets which entitles them to an allocated seat.

I would appreciate if you didn't bring common sense into this conversation..thx

AND NO CONTROLLED SAFE DISTANCING,iT'S A BLOODY SHAME WE COULD'NT HAVE SOME ARRANGEMENTS.oN THE OTHER SIDE LIVE COVERAGE ON CHANNEL 9 'S FOOTBALL SHOW IS A GREAT RESULT.

Im curious why the Jockeys and horse handlers and track staff could all be so close but not a crowd of people cheering on a dog race.
The NRL finals are carrying on but no dog race. Last i checked NRL GFs can attract 100,000 people. I was at the Million Dollar Chase last year. There was lucky to be 2000.....
Im all for the safety of people. But seriously that makes no sense. It may be a huge bonus being on 9 during the football but i dont agree with the ban. I just hope the promotions department knows what theyre doing! It could be a huge disaster if they screw this up.

Bill Deguara wrote:

Rod Hampton wrote: After spending a bucket load of $ on promotion, the general public can't attend. Surely, an booking system could have allowed a control of numbers ! wawotam 40000 at the footy ! AND NO CONTROLLED SAFE DISTANCING,iT'S A BLOODY SHAME WE COULD'NT HAVE SOME ARRANGEMENTS.oN THE OTHER SIDE LIVE COVERAGE ON CHANNEL 9 'S FOOTBALL SHOW IS A GREAT RESULT.