The popular meeting was originally scheduled for this Saturday.

But with the state government on Wednesday announcing that no spectators would be be permitted on country Victorian tracks until at least this Sunday, the BJC has agreed to move the Elmore Cup meeting to August.

BJC chief executive officer Aaron Hearps said this Saturday's race meeting at the Bendigo racecourse would still go ahead, but with stringent COVID-19 protocols in place for participants who have runners engaged, due to the extension of Victoria's lockdown.

"It's unfortunate that COVID-19 has again raised its head in Victoria just before one of our scheduled Cup race meetings, the other being Marong Cup day in February which was also conducted without spectators oncourse due to COVID-19," he said.

"Fortunately, on this occasion, we had a suitable transfer date that we were able to offer the Elmore Racing Club Committee, which they were most appreciative of.

"Hopefully by August, spectators will again be permitted, and we can all celebrate this meeting together oncourse in two months' time."

All customers who have pre-purchased race day hospitality packages and general admission ticketing for Saturday's meeting will automatically receive a full refund.

Hearps said a full list of packages for the transferred meeting on Sunday, August 8, would be made available on the Club's website as soon as restrictions have eased to allow the return of spectators to Victorian racecourses.

The Elmore Cup was run last year in the absence of spectators and was won by the Matthew Ellerton and Simon Zahra-trained Seas No Limit, ridden by Alana Kelly.

The BJC is hoping for a return of crowds for its following meeting on Sunday, June 20.

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