Horse racing continues in Australia, Asia

SYDNEY: Punters in the UK had to make do with a virtual Grand National this weekend, but in Australia and Asia they are still able to enjoy a flutter on the real thing, albeit only online.

Sydney’s autumn racing festival burst out of the gates Saturday to little fanfare on an Australia Derby Day held without the customary throngs of well-dressed spectators. Royal Randwick racecourse was open only to “essential” Racing New South Wales and Australian Turf Club staff, as well as a handful of participants and media.

Owners were kept away as jockeys competed in the first day of the Aus$20 million (US$12 million) “The Championships”, though the day’s races were broadcast live with bets taken online.