COVID-19 update from RV CEO
Racing Victoria (RV) Chief Executive, Giles Thompson, has tonight issued the following update regarding the immediate future of Victorian racing in light of further developments in the national fight against the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic:
“We note the comments today by the Prime Minister and Premier of Victoria regarding the strengthening of measures to contain the COVID-19 virus and that the National Cabinet is now meeting this evening to further discuss these measures.
“We also note there is uncertainty amongst our industry as to what this means for the continuation of racing and training within Victoria and that a wide range of stakeholders are seeking answers on this front.
“As it stands, we have a range of meetings planned tomorrow morning to best understand the Federal and State Government directives following the National Cabinet meeting and to consider the appropriate advice from health authorities and our medical experts.
“Once we are armed with all of the appropriate information and have had time to discuss it with the relevant authorities, we will then be in a position to consider it with all of our stakeholder representative groups.
“It is our intention to provide a comprehensive update when we have greater clarity on the immediate requirements and necessary actions of our industry. Given the unprecedented and evolving nature of this situation, we are not in a position at present to confirm an exact time as to when that update will be provided.
“In providing tonight’s update, I want to take the opportunity to again thank all within our industry for their efforts in adhering to the strict protocols that we have had in place for the continuation of racing in Victoria over the past week.
“It remains important in these unprecedented times that we continue to work together and look out for one another and thus I want to also remind all licensed and registered participants of our free, independent counselling service, Stableline, which is available to them 24/7 on 1300 520 122.”