Racing Minister Admits ‘It Was Mistake’ as Backlash Forces Cox Plate Meeting Backflip

(Center) Racing Minister Martin Pakula, (Right) Damian Lane, is congratulated at a trophy presentation after winning race 9 the Ladbrokes Cox Plate on Lys Gracieux during Cox Plate Day at Moonee Valley Racecourse in Melbourne, Australia on Oct. 26, 2019. Jenny Evans/Getty Images

The Victorian government has admitted that public outcry on social media—not public health advice—was the reason they revoked the exemption allowing the Cox Plate celebration.

Victoria’s Crisis Council involving eight senior ministers, granted a special exemption on Oct. 20 for the W.S Cox Plate’s 100th meeting on Saturday, allowing owners and trainers to gather at the grounds to celebrate the occasion.