Racing Victoria (RV) has issued the following update regarding Victorian thoroughbred racing in light of today’s announcement by the State Government that Stage 4 restrictions will be lifted across the state at 11.59pm (AEDT) this evening (17 February 2021).
Effective from 11.59pm (AEDT) this evening, the industry’s biosecurity protocols will be updated to the following:
- Spectators (including owners, members and the general public) and non-broadcast media will again be permitted to attend Victorian race meetings. Spectator attendance will be subject to approvals granted to Clubs under the Victorian Government’s Public Events Framework as occurred prior to the Stage 4 restrictions being reimposed;
- Owners are once again permitted to attend public and private training centres, for the primary purpose of visiting their horse, including during trackwork, provided that the only stables they visit are those of their licensed trainer who is required to keep a log of their attendance. Media are also permitted to attend public and private training centres; and
- In line with Government directives, face masks must be worn at all times when indoors, including when visiting stables at private and public training facilities, and when unable to socially distance outside.
It should be noted that spectator limits will differ between race meetings depending on each Club’s approved COVID-safe event plan under the Public Events Framework. Racegoers are encouraged to refer to Club websites for clarification on the protocols in place to facilitate attendance at individual race meetings, including pre-registration.
RV Chief Executive, Giles Thompson, said, “We welcome the announcement by the Victorian Government today regarding the lifting of Stage 4 restrictions and we look forward to safely welcoming back owners and spectators at our race meetings from tomorrow in accordance with all relevant Government directives.
“Off the back of today’s announcement, the Clubs and Racing Victoria are continuing to liaise with Government on the number of spectators that will be permitted to attend each meeting. Once confirmed, this will be communicated by host Clubs so I encourage all racegoers to monitor Club websites closely for information on the number of permitted attendees and registration requirements.
“While we are appreciative of today’s news, I would ask everyone within the Victorian racing industry to remain vigilant and comply with all Government directives to ensure the safe continuation of racing and training in our state.
“In particular, if any person or a close contact, is unwell and displaying any symptoms of COVID-19, or has been to a public exposure site, they must not attend any racecourse, training centre or licensed premises in Victoria until cleared to do so.”